ã€ŠRise Of The Limitless Oneã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Minor World

    ----

    In the year 2142, a mystifying phenomenon took over the world, which caused humans to lose their wits.

    "W-what the hell...? Is this the end of the world?"

    The entire world spectated speechlessly as a beautiful yet terrifying phenomenon unveiled itself before their very eyes.

    The sky ripped open and fragmented into numerous bits, with each fracture producing numerous branching rifts. All they could do was watch in horror as this took place.

    Those same rifts then acted as portals, allowing otherworldly energies of different elements to flood the world.

    From that moment onward, the world of Alteria was never the same. It marked the beginning of a new era¡ªthe Era of Stagnated Merges.

    In fact, the scene continued to worsen until the sky was littered with innumerable astral rifts causing pieces of the sky to apparently vanish. Most of the sky''s previously dreamy blue color disappeared only to be replaced by voids. This frightened humanity as they became hysterical.

    "HOLY...RUNN!! The sky- The sky is falling. The sky is falling!"

    However, contrary to their fears produced by the hysteria, their beliefs never came true. The sky wasn''t falling; the additional fractures merely amplified the rate of the otherworldly energy spilling into Alteria, reducing the overall presence of the disturbing rifts.

    Not long after, a single yet unstoppable ripple hurtled through the world, passing through every inhabitant.

    As the deluge of otherworldly energy progressed, humanity began to notice some stark differences. Day by day, their vessels grew stronger under the continuous exposure to this novel energy enabling them to soon reach the cusp of humanity''s limit.

    With the help of that energy, humanity''s previous limits were shattered.

    At first, they believed it to be a miracle hidden behind a frightening display. Still, unfortunately, that truly wasn''t the case. A day of reckoning was inbound, one that would upheave the current order of the world.

    Once the world reached the minimal saturation point, other occurrences started to take place.

    For instance, a towering monolith that spanned ceaselessly into the sky was erected in the world''s epicenter. No matter how far one looked, the end couldn''t be discerned. Moreover, similar to the sky, it possessed numerous fractures along its exterior, essentially blending into its surroundings.

    But, its presence was too grand to go unnoticed. Not to mention, it bore a purpose.

    Some years after the Monolith appeared, a calling was issued. This calling merely bypassed most humans; however, a specific large group of people wasn''t so lucky. They began to receive a set of mysterious beckons that only grew more overwhelming with time.

    Unbeknownst to the unsuspecting inhabitants, that call was the beginning of a tumultuous future.

    ----

    Two decades later...

    The sky mended some time after the Monolith arose, permitting the next series of events to commence. In response, countless individuals were roused to action, two of such people being little Lucian''s parents.

    "M-mom...Dad, do you guys have to go? Why can''t you stay, and where are you going?" A small youth, no older than 8 years old, pleaded while grasping the hands of two older individuals.

    Before him, they each took a knee and peered into his clear, aquamarine eyes.

    "Lucian, we must. We have been summoned. If we don''t answer these summons, it''ll spell the demise of the world. You don''t wish for our world to suffer imminent destruction, do you?" the older male answered while ruffling the boy''s hair.

    "N-no¡­ I don''t want that," Lucian muttered while sniffling terribly.

    Despite his words, he couldn''t hold back his tears. After all, his parents leaving wasn''t something an 8-year-old welcomed. Even more so because it was an inexplicable exit. He wasn''t one of the people who received the calling.

    Due to his falling tears, his mother inched closer and kissed his forehead, "Don''t cry, you have to be our big boy. What about Silas and Daphne? If they witness your tears, they will follow along. I need my Lucian to be strong," his mother said while pointing to his chest.

    After she did so, Lucian wiped his tears and attempted to stand straight, "I...I have to be strong!" Just the sight of his actions made both of his parents'' grin. It even marginally lessened the internal anguish they were experiencing.

    "That''s my little cutie; I''m proud of you. When we return, we''ll come bearing the best of gifts," his mother promised, raising her pinky finger at the same time. After a short pause, Lucian locked his pinky with hers.

    "It''s a promise!" Lucian nodded but then turned towards his father and asked curiously, "Where...are you guys going?"

    "You see that over there," his father said while pointing towards the colossal monolith seemingly in the center of the world, "We have to head over to that place. For the record, it is called the Fractured Monolith. Who knows, maybe your turn to visit that place will come as well. But, for now, we have to make sure our world remains safe."

    "The Fractured Monolith," Lucian muttered while looking out the window. Following his father''s finger, he looked in its direction. The moment he gazed at the tower, Lucian felt almost insignificant. Additionally, he also felt a feeling he couldn''t describe.

    All of a sudden, a small pitter-patter sounded behind Lucian, leading him to turn around. Two other small toddlers appeared alongside another child. The oldest one''s features were eerily similar to Lucian''s.

    "Mom, Dad are you guys leaving?" the oldest child questioned while drowsily rubbing his eyes. It was clear from his actions that these three had just awoken from their sleep. After all, it was just past the break of dawn.

    "We are, Cyrus. You will have to become everyone''s guardian. You are the oldest, so your task will be to look after everyone in our absence. Lucian will assist you so that things happen smoothly. We, of the Salvatore Family, will always prosper," their father announced.

    A steely look entered Cyrus'' eyes as he nodded with affirmation, "You can count on me, father! Lucian, Daphne, and Silas will all be well!"

    Once Cyrus reassured them, they felt another weight lift off their shoulders. Unfortunately, they couldn''t indulge in this wholesome atmosphere for much longer.

    "Iris, we need to leave. The signal has become more erratic. The Monolith seems to be growing impatient!"

    "Okay, Ronan!" Iris replied. Before leaving, she spared each of her children another loving look before planting a kiss on each of their foreheads. Shortly after, they both disappeared into thin air.

    The kids remained at the window silently, watching as their parents travel at speeds similar to teleportation. The feeling of separation overwhelmed them from the beginning, but Lucian and the others refrained from crying.

    "Lucian, it''s all up to me and you now," Cyrus whispered while placing his hand on Lucian''s shoulder. He could tell the petite boy wanted to shed tears, so he felt proud that he didn''t.

    "Yeah, all up to us," Lucian answered in a small daze. Once the silhouette of his parents disappeared, he looked towards his siblings, "Remember, this is just for now. We just need to keep our word until they come back."

    Despite their young age, the new environment supported accelerated mental growth. Thus, though small, both of the kids were able to understand the meaning of Lucian''s words.

    Similar to their parents, even their grandparents and uncles had been summoned to the Fractured Monolith as well. Due to the progression of the otherworldly energy, the older generation seemed to be the first ones who were awakening to odd abilities and heightened physical capabilities.

    As a result, they were the group who were called upon to enter the Fractured Monolith. At that time, it was unknown to the public just what tragedies those who were chosen would have to end up enduring.

    The only thing the others did was reap the benefits of their sacrifices.

    ----

    Within the Fractured Monolith, both Ronan and Iris marveled at the sight of countless humans. Each of them donned equipment that typically wouldn''t be found among the population of a world such as Alteria.

    Pristine metal alloy armors, sharp weaponry of all varieties, crystalline bows, illustrious hunting gear¡ªall of this seemed too advanced to appear from Alteria. Soon enough, Ronan and Iris understood their origins as they, too, were given new equipment.

    "It seems that we''ll have to face something gargantuan," Ronan whispered under his breath while grasping Iris''s hand tight. In response, she could only nod in agreement.

    Although everyone was curious, aside from the initial rallying call, no additional information was provided to appease their worries. There were only two immense gates that opened before everyone with a prolonged rumble.

    Fortunately, a voice then spoke to them, "Hm, not worthy for the Alpha Echelon. So, the Beta Echelon will have to suffice. Enter; enter and earn your right. Survive, conquer, and finally, emerge the victor! Only then will you cement your power. You will earn laurels for your piddling world! Don''t forget, the efforts of your older generation shall pave the way for the youths."

    Even if they willed against it, everyone present was sucked within the colossal gate. Once they entered, they understood why they were given such equipment. After all, their opponents were not limited to other humans!

    Soon enough, days turned into weeks and weeks to months. Finally, those months approached years.

    In that time frame, a brutal battle was fought, and the numbers of those participating dwindled. Their enemies were great, but humanity possessed something their chosen opponents didn''t¡ªintelligence gained from prior wars. By splitting up their numbers based on strength and moving in synergistic formations, they began to gain the upper hand.

    Furthermore, this fight produced another effect. Some broke through barriers and awakened to further strengthened abilities. This provided the small push needed to propel them to victory.

    Finally, after 2 years, they began to appear from the gates of the Monolith. While their numbers were decimated, their spirits were high!

    According to the voice that seemed to monitor the Fractured Monolith, they had gained a special right. At the expense of obscene amounts of human lives, they achieved the feat known as Seed Procurement!

    "Your world has fulfilled the criteria to become a Minor Seed World. However, from this moment on, that means you have also entered the selection. What you have experienced is merely known as the Priming. When you fulfill the next criteria, the following phase of the Initial Merge will commence, and the liberation will begin."

    This message bruited about from the Fractured Monolith, sparing no human who participated in the Priming. However, until the event truly took place, none of them would understand what the words "Initial Merge" entailed.

    Meanwhile, although this spelled victory for some, the announcement of the result came as a nightmare for others. For those who didn''t return, their whereabouts and fates became a mystery. The Fractured Monolith never revealed what happened to the bodies.

    Despite the unfortunate news, there were still those who believed their loved ones would appear. Until it was a proven fact, they just couldn''t believe the hearsay.

    One such person was Lucian; part of him couldn''t accept they weren''t coming back, while another part wanted to verify whether or not they could do so. He looked at the locket in his hands and reminisced over the faces of his parents, ''Where did you guys go? Come back¡­"

    While muttering this, he continued to glare out the window at the Fractured Monolith in the distance, "I will find out what happened to my parents."

    With his mind made up, Lucian closed his eyes, pondering a way to gather detail and even enter the Fractured Monolith for himself.

    Regrettably, an issue arose. Following this summoning event, the monolith fell into a dormant state. Not even the slightest energy signature could be felt from it.

    However, during the period of inactiveness, the era of the Awakened prospered further! The course of society changed, developing systems due to the reintroduction of these returning beings into society! Along with this change, some were left behind, and others evolved to fit the new meta.

    The younger generation''s time was upon them, and soon enough, the next phase of the Initial Merge would be too. After all, the Priming was just the mere first phase.

 Chapter 2 - Illness

    ----

    "Lucian."

    A voice called out to Lucian, rousing him from his despondent state. As he turned around, he pushed the matters regarding his parent''s whereabouts to the back of his mind.

    "Yes, Cyrus?" Lucian responded. He knew there was something wrong as Cyrus''s voice faltered when he called out to him. Although he didn''t know the cause of this, Lucian was still worried nonetheless.

    "There''s¡­ I don''t know how to say this except for... there''s an issue. Both Silas and Daphne...they''re uncharacteristically pale," Cyrus muttered with a deepening frown. As he recalled their weak breaths, he was almost certain there was an issue, or maybe even a sickness involved.

    However, this type of incident was classified as a rarity once the otherworldly energies appeared. Since the energies strengthened them, rarely did humans fall victim to minor illnesses. Thus, he was left clueless as to what the root cause was.

    "Pale? Let''s go check on them," Lucian responded without a second thought. His younger siblings were the crux of his worries. Their safety took precedence over everything else simply because they were his family.

    However, as he made a move to head towards the doorway leading to living chambers within their family mansion, Cyrus caught sight of his hand clutching an item on his chest. This tickled his interest, "Were you thinking about Mom and Dad again?" he inquired.

    "Ah, yeah kind of. It plagues my mind quite often," Lucian admitted before releasing his shirt. Blanking before the window in his parent''s study had become a frequent part of his monthly routine.

    Hence, in regards to his answer, Cyrus sulked momentarily as well but that expression soon vanished.

    "We''ll find them, or at the very least, we''ll gather some answers. After all, it has been 8 years since everyone was called into that towering construct. There are bound to be people who were affiliated or possess knowledge about them still alive. We just need to locate them," Cyrus said.

    Lucian remained quiet for a while, but he peered into his brother''s similarly aquamarine eyes. A resolute gleam circulated within the depth of his eyes and he eventually nodded, "We will, we won''t rest until this happens."

    Upon establishing their shared determination, both Lucian and Cyrus exited the private quarters of their parents. A few short moments later, they arrived within the corridor that led to their rooms.

    The trip was silent, uncharacteristically so. After all, their minds each shouldered a significant weight, sometimes affecting their moods.

    Suddenly, the instant they arrived at the door of their siblings'' room, they felt a weird aura. While it was similar to the new atmosphere of Alteria, it also felt eerily different. The appearance of the weird vibe immediately aroused suspicion.

    "Do you feel that?" Cyrus questioned with a solemn expression.

    "Yeah, I feel it. Something is wrong...let''s enter quickly!" Lucian exclaimed, bursting through the doors without restraint. As he did so, he bore witness to an unsettling sight¡ªboth his younger sister Daphne and young brother Silas clutching their sheets.

    Their petite bodies released a cold sweat as their bodies trembled uncontrollably. Without a second thought, Lucian rushed towards them and pressed his hand on their foreheads. To his surprise, their bodies were cold to the touch!

    Additionally, each exhale pushed a frosty breath out of their lungs.

    "I-I''ve...never heard of a situation like this. What do we do? Do we call medical services?" Lucian asked in a panic. Unfortunately, Cyrus''s expression paled when he heard this.

    Truth be told, their current situation wasn''t that great. While the Salvatore Family possessed an illustrious status prior to the Priming, afterward, it was a different story.

    Unlike before, where they possessed members in all levels of society, ranging from officers to elected officials; now, there were just a normal bunch of straggling children. Their experience was like a fall from heaven to the depths of hell.

    Outside of these siblings, there were only a few other scattered child remnants. Furthermore, the new world order intended to gravitate away from the use of old resources.

    Things such as prior currency, lesser materials, material items such as paintings, furniture, etc., were on the decline. While still accepted, it wasn''t the prominent choice. It was rare to find wealthy individuals still interested in the mementos of the old order.

    This was because those who returned from the Fractured Monolith came bearing gifts, or rather tools to change the world! They introduced the world to refined ores, sturdier minerals, valuable equipment, advanced assistance technologies, and even potions to elevate their strength!

    Likewise, areas such as medical services, training routines, and governing systems became far more refined and potent. After all, the old methods weren''t effective enough. Of course, these luxuries brought with them increased expenses. Not to mention, the supply of the new items was extremely limited.

    The only methods to acquire them were by fulfilling a Guardian''s duties. Which included but wasn''t limited to entering the previously recessive Fractured Monolith.

    Luckily, three years after the reappearance of the first generation, or rather five years ago, the once-dormant Fractured Monolith resumed activity. The first generation was granted entry without further calling as they bore a mark. Beyond that, the monolith began summoning others once again.

    In light of this change, humanity chose to dissent away from accepting the old currency. But, they didn''t just do so all at once.

    As a result, people in situations like Lucian and his family arose quite frequently.

    "We...don''t have anything to offer for the medical services. Even if it''s the most basic of evaluations, none of us are Guardians or even Awakened for that matter. We won''t be subjected to the same priority they are blessed with," Cyrus grumbled.

    Lucian felt his consternation and sighed. This situation was truly a headache; his siblings were suffering and judging by their symptoms, their condition was deteriorating quickly.

    "It won''t hurt to try, right?" Lucian countered stubbornly, attempting to get Cyrus on the same page as quickly as possible. Alas, Cyrus still seemed to be conflicted. Their current funds were at an all-time low. Any additional expenses would potentially devastate them.

    Nevertheless, it was his siblings at stake. It took some time, but ultimately, Cyrus wound up giving his approval.

    As soon as he received this answer, Lucian contacted the nearest medical facility. Meanwhile, Cyrus continued to caress the two little one''s heads in an attempt to appease some of their pains.

    "Hello? You have reached the Strellia Medical Facility. How may I help you?" A voice chimed through a device seeming to be a telephone.

    "Yes, my siblings seem to have fallen ill. They are pale and their temperature keeps falling. Oh, and they''re also trembling with cold sweats," Lucian answered hastily.

    Silence befell the phone. At first, Lucian thought the other side had hung up, but all of a sudden an odd question sounded from the phone, "What color are their eyes?"

    "Color? Blue?!" Lucian replied. He didn''t need to think about it. A dominant trait of the Salvatore Family was different shades of aquamarine eyes.

    "No. I''m asking what the current color is," the voice responded, brushing aside Lucian''s answer.

    "I''m not very sure. Their eyes are closed pretty tight," Lucian answered.

    "That is beside the point. I suggest you open them and verify the color," the voice urged. Due to the urgency in her voice, Lucian obliged without asking further questions. He gently pried open their eyes and took a glimpse at the color. Shockingly, they were far from the color blue!

    "Uh...Miss, their eyes are completely white," Lucian answered anxiously. Once again, silence filled the room. Except, this time, murmurs could be heard from the other side of the phone. It appeared the person on the other side was discussing the situation with someone else.

    Finally, after some time had passed, they resumed the conversation. But, their tone had turned grim, "Are your siblings over or under the age of 10? Also, have they exhibited signs of weakness recently?"

    "Weakness? No, this-..." Suddenly, Lucian paused to recount the past few months. He recalled his siblings frequently dropping their small ration. At first, he thought this was due to the grogginess that accompanied the process of waking up. But, it happened far too much to be chalked up to a mere coincidence.

    Thus, Lucian switched his answer, "They''re both 10 this year and have been experiencing some weakness."

    "We''ll send a team to your location shortly," the lady on the other side replied. From her tone, it was evident that she would hang up soon.

    "Wait, wait! What''s wrong with them, do you know?" Lucian exclaimed into the phone, frightened that she may disconnect at any given moment.

    "Of course we know. They... are experiencing a weakness plaguing many people, but it is kept under wraps. For more detail, come with them and we shall disclose further information. Although I must warn you, depending on your age, it may not be a piece of information you want to hear about," the voice warned.

    Moreover, the voice sounded apologetic, almost as if they were empathizing with Lucian. As he heard these words, his heart wrenched. He understood that their situation had gone from bad to worse. They were short of viable funds, and now it seemed there was an issue with their younger siblings.

    Left with no other options, Lucian looked at Cyrus with a saddened expression, "They''re on their way but don''t rejoice. The situation doesn''t look good."

 Chapter 3 - Astral Corrosion Sickness

    ----

    Not long after the phone was hung up, a medical team was dispatched to Lucian''s position. Within the state of Polaris, the Strellia Medical Facility was known for its rapid service. Each of their medical staff possessed two distinct abilities, without those abilities the recruits were denied work.

    As for the members of their staff, they possessed either something along the line of superspeed or anything that contributed to the convenience of travel. However, the leading ability need not be mentioned as it was the distinguished ability to heal. Yet, even then, such abilities came in different intensities.

    On the other hand, Cyrus tried to cut through the palpable tension in the room by striking up a conversation with Lucian. However, it was harder than he expected.

    "I think they''ll be here shortly. Open the door for them downstairs," Cyrus muttered to Lucian. Since he hung up the phone, he was in a sort of daze. Only after Cyrus spoke to him did he return from it.

    "Mm," Lucian nodded, before making his way towards the door. As he opened the latch, he felt a few streams of pressurized air rushing through small cracks in the door. This disturbance caused him to open the door and to his surprise, he beheld a spectacle.

    Three people donned in form-fitted clothing, each showcasing numerous attachments at their waist, blitzed toward the residence at inhumane speed.

    With the appearance of humans who were able to travel faster than vehicles, unless they were wealthy enough to afford the vastly upgraded transportation, most people settled for one of the more convenient choices¡ªpublic transportation or physical travel.

    ''These are those Abilities that I''ve heard rumors about. Superspeed... traveling faster than the human eye can track. Some are even being able to break the sound barrier,'' Lucian thought to himself.

    Shortly after he opened the door, the three awaited individuals arrived at the doorway. The lead member; a male with black scruffy hair looking to be no older than 25 glanced over towards Lucian.

    "The name''s Jacob. Do you mind pointing us in the direction of your siblings? It would be rude of us to just intrude."

    In response to their request, Lucian gestured for them to follow him. As he led them back towards the rooms, he couldn''t help but steal a few glances at them. At the same time, curiosity arose in his adolescent mind, "Are you guys... Guardians?"

    "Haha no, unfortunately. If we were Guardians, do you think we would have accepted an offer to become part of a medical facility in our small state? We weren''t lucky enough to be called by the monolith," Jacob replied.

    Meanwhile, Lucian was shocked when he heard their words. According to how fast they were moving, he thought they were Guardians. However, it appeared that his assumptions were wrong as these guys were simply Awakened Humans.

    "Ah, I see. Pardon my insensitive comment," Lucian muttered apologetically. When around Awakeneds, it was a known fact to refrain from showing the slightest signs of disrespect when you weren''t one yourself. After awakening their powers, some of them awakened corresponding swelled egos to match.

    Fortunately, Jacobs didn''t seem to be one such character, "Well, it''s not that much of a big deal, so I don''t necessarily mind. I''m just a speed-type awakened, so my movement is the only this that has been improved " Jacob answered.

    Although it was the dream of every Awakened to be called upon by the monolith, this was also a questioned he received quite often.

    "Speed-type" Lucian parroted. As he examined Jacob''s expression, he realized there wasn''t the slightest bit of enthusiasm on his face. Usually, this type of reaction symbolized an Awakened''s unhappiness with their abilities. But, Lucian wasn''t aware of this.

    "Then, you must be very fast," Lucian added.

    In light of his childish demeanor, Jacob finally cracked a smile, "Mm, I get by. There are some faster and some slower. Anyway, let''s tend to your siblings."

    Once he brushed Lucian''s questioning aside, he guided his other members within the room. The moment they entered, each of them frowned. Jacobs pointed forward, "Julia, scan their conditions and verify their state."

    "Yes, sir," the lithe figure with pale blonde hair standing behind Jacob replied. She approached Silas and Daphne''s bed before extending her hand. A faint ripple surfaced from her fingertips and oscillated around their body. The room fell quiet as they awaited the verdict.

    Three seconds later, Julia withdrew her fingers. Her expression was grim as she turned towards Jacob and confirmed their worries.

    "They have it, and I believe it might be progressing to Stage 2 already; this could only mean that they have contracted it for quite some time. For them to only show symptoms now, their body should be quite resilient."

    "Noted, we move now," Jacob ordered before snapping his finger. The third individual with short white hair and bandages over his eyes stepped forth, "Rufus, carry them safely and continue to absorb any shock of travel. We''ll keep them as comfortable as possible."

    Without a word, Rufus moved forward before carefully resting the small children on his shoulders. The muscles in his body altered and changed position. He then shifted his body before kicking the air before the window.

    Boom!

    A sonic blast took place that blew the whole wall of the mansion off, leaving Lucian and Cyrus with incredulous expressions. The cost of this place, while diminished, was still noteworthy, but that wasn''t what shocked them the most. It was the effortless movement of Rufus!

    This stimulated their desire to awaken as well. If they could, they would receive an elevated status in this world, separating them from the unlucky ones who have yet to awaken or couldn''t awaken at all. In the next moment, Rufus stormed through the makeshift exit and sped down the street.

    In the meantime, Jacob turned towards Lucian, "Will the both of you be accompanying us? What about your parents?"

    At the mention of their parents, both Cyrus and Lucian trembled and shook their heads. "Just us," Cyrus replied.

    Immediately, Jacob hoisted them up under his arms before leaving the same way. As they zipped through the streets, they struggled to keep their eyes open. In fact, they had to reflexively close them to stop the wind pressure from causing severe discomfort.

    The estimated speed they were currently traveling at was not far from Mach 1, which was Jacob''s maximum speed. Though, because of the additional weight, he moved slower.

    ...

    Several minutes later, Jacob came to an abrupt halt that failed to create a sonic boom but was still fast enough to rattle the boys'' stomach. Before they could recover, each of them bent over releasing the lacking contents of their stomach.

    On the other hand, the moment they arrived, a scientist with a clipboard and a fresh lab coat greeted them, "Are these the two new cases?"

    "Yes, they have the Astral Corrosion Sickness. And it seems to have progressed to Stage II," Jacob revealed.

    Jacob''s revelation induced the doctor''s shock, "Stage II?! Bring them in this instant. Furthermore, in regards to those other children, bring them as well." It was unknown just why the doctor was so surprised by this piece of information, but the look in his eyes was a testament to his excitement.

    When they heard that their siblings would be admitted, they felt a weight lift off their shoulders. But, the doctor''s next words felt like a nuclear bomb devastating their mind.

 Chapter 4 - A Need

    ----

    "With Stage II of the Astral Sickness, the requirement to sustain their life would cost at least 100 million Credits. With their current condition, it''ll be quite the exorbitant task to sustain their life, much less find a way to reverse it," the doctor estimated, performing a general examination of the two children.

    "1-100 million Credits?!" Lucian stammered.

    Credits were something they were all too familiar with. After all, it was the new currency system established in Alteria. It was manufactured from special trees that absorbed copious amounts of otherworldly energies.

    As a result, just holding it would present minuscule benefits for the citizens of this world.

    However, there was also another problem. Since it was in high demand, if one wished to exchange for it with the old currency, it would require 100 units just to receive a single Credit.

    An average family would have access to no more than 1,000 Credits from this exchange, to put it differently. But, the daily expense of a family would amount to at least 10 Credits.

    Therefore, if there was no viable method of acquiring Credits, such as working as an Awakened laborer, or even the even more illustrious status of a Guardian, Credits were hard to accumulate. As for previously sought-after jobs such as doctors and the like, the traditional versions weren''t needed.

    The alteration to most of humanity''s physique made them obsolete. Past practices of medicine were useless as the human body evolved beyond the boundary of being sickened by meager diseases. One of the only things that could cause their despair was the aforementioned Astral Corrosion Sickness.

    "We... we don''t have access to that type of money," Cyrus squeezed through pursed lips.

    Forget 100 million Credits, they didn''t even have 1,000 of them remaining. After all, they had to rely upon themselves for the past 8 years to survive and eat. During that time, they sacrificed most of their family''s assets.

    While most of humanity believed the new governing powers would establish a program to alleviate the families affected by the Priming, it didn''t happen to the extent they would have liked. The amount given wasn''t tailored to every unique household, it was merely a set sum.

    No matter how many mouths you needed to feed, the amount remained a constant 2,000 Credits per year.

    This was only enough to cover 60% of expenses a typical family would possess. It was done like this to keep enough resources in stock to appease the strong Guardians and Awakened members they recruited. The general populace didn''t even amount to half of their importance. After all, those who entered the Fractured Monolith all shared a universal purpose as well as importance.

    The change of this world didn''t happen for no reason, it felt like a prelude more than anything else. Not to mention, the message the Guardians received hinted towards additional phases. Hence, those who were wise put early preparations into motion.

    Nevertheless, that couldn''t help these two boys in their current situation.

    "Obviously. We didn''t expect you to have that type of money on hand. After all, 100 million Credits is equivalent to a Guardian''s salary. I''m merely mentioning the cost," the doctor replied while pushing up his bifocals with a sly smile.

    After all, his mind was attracted to a much greater possibility.

    ''If they have Stage II, then they should''ve all been in the presence of a Guardian sometime before. Maybe I can draw them out since there''s no record of these children,'' the doctor speculated.

    After a dramatic pause, he resumed, "Well, you see, the Astral Corrosion Sickness only happens when a human''s innate constitution fails to break down the increased amounts of energy in their system. What I''m trying to say is, there should have been some rather strong people around you."

    "We haven''t been around anyone recently," both Lucian and Cyrus remarked simultaneously. Rarely did they leave their home, as the new route of education before awakening was all digital. Every home was installed with holographic projectors purposed with imparting vital knowledge.

    Unlike before, the knowledge imparted didn''t consist of useless elements. At the very least, the necessities of life were taught. In other words, life skills took precedence over theoretical knowledge. After all, most of the knowledge learned in the old curriculum didn''t apply to general situations.

    "No no no, you misunderstand. When I say recently, it covers from the time of birth as well. The germination period for the Astral Corrosion Sickness ranges from 8-12 years. This timeline matches your siblings'' conditions. Furthermore, it takes an additional 3 years for the cusp of Stage II to be reached," the doctor revealed.

    Suddenly, Jacob interjected, "Since they are 10 and have already touched upon Stage II, does that mean they contracted this at birth?" This was the assumption that everyone made when they accounted for all the time passed. However, the doctor lowered his glasses as digital symbols appeared in his eyes.

    After performing a thorough scan, he shook his head, "That''s incorrect. If it had reached the 10-year mark, the sickness would have permeated throughout their whole body. According to my calculations, it should be just nearing the 8-year mark. Two more years and their condition will worsen dramatically."

    "Wait, if it''s like this...don''t they fulfill those rare conditions?" Jacob gasped, looking back towards Cyrus and Lucian. While they didn''t understand what these "rare conditions" entailed, Jacob was more than familiar with it. After all, they spent ample time in this medical facility.

    "Correct, I believe they have been in the presence of at least a beginner Guardian. Moreover, this is just a conservative answer. Without further study, we won''t be able to confirm our speculation. But, if we have them attempt an awakening, that will more than verify our claims," the doctor suggested.

    "Mm, but Doctor Arc, are the Awakening Centers even open right now? I know people are always welcome to try, but only the first two attempts are free. And the second is only free in the capacity of the individual awakening beyond an E Rank. Afterward, there is that substantial fee of 100 and 1,000 credits respectively," Jacob voiced.

    In response, Doctor Arc shrugged, "Well, judging by their ages and seemingly calcified organs, they haven''t experienced an awakening. As long as they''re of age, it is fine," Doctor Arc said. He then rubbed his chin and looked towards the distance, "What are your ages, and do you have any clue of your parent''s abilities?"

    Both Cyrus and Lucian shook their heads and then disclosed their ages of both 18 and 16, respectively, which fell into the general age of awakening for most people. Of course, there were rare cases where people awakened much later or earlier, but that was independent of the achieved rank.

    Sometimes it was greater, other times the awakening was overwhelming. It simply differed from person to person.

    Meanwhile, Doctor Arc became excited the moment they confirmed their ages. After all, even if they weren''t aware of their parents'' ranking, abilities were mostly hereditary. Thus, the doctor became excited. Only the strongest Awakeneds, or simplest Guardians, were strong enough to produce this sickness.

    As a result, Doctor Arc made up his mind for them, "Then it is settled! You will both attempt your first awakening. I''m sure you had your reasons for refraining from doing so, but if you wish for your siblings to survive, then it is mandatory."

    Reluctantly, they nodded their heads. Even though Doctor Arc insisted their potential was good, there was always the off chance of things going awry. But, once they recalled their purpose for all this, Lucian and Cyrus discarded their unsightly thoughts.

 Chapter 5 - Awakening Association

    ----

    Once Doctor Arc determined that the pair of brothers would both undergo an awakening, he wasted no efforts, immediately getting in contact with the branch of the Awakened Association in their general area. While they weren''t mandated to join the society if they succeeded in awakening, there was always a slim chance it would happen.

    "It is settled. You''ll join the next batch of individuals experiencing their first awakening attempt in an hour," Doctor Arc revealed, reappearing through the adequately secured, tempered glass doors outfitted with biometric scans.

    "Wait, an hour? The nearest Awakening Association branch is 700 miles away!" Jacob exclaimed with widened eyes. An hour was cutting it too close when factoring in the time to prepare them and all the other matters. After all, when it came to punctuality, if you weren''t on time or early, entrance to the association would be barred.

    Some might say they were overly strict, but they welcomed only the utmost order amongst their ranks. As such, even the guests were expected to follow their long-running guidelines.

    "I''m glad you understand. But to help you, I''ll allow you to take one Class D enhancement drug. Also, you should take a Class E resistance suit for both of them. At the speed of Mach 1, I''m sure they''ll experience damage if we aren''t careful," Doctor Arc replied with a lighthearted attitude.

    "W-what!? Help? That does not help... And, I don''t want to take one of those. The drawbacks are always horrible. If you want me to take it, 3 months salary in advance, no exceptions," Jacob adamantly retorted.

    Due to the forced elevation that enhancement drugs produced, the aftereffects which followed usually escaped the bounds of the user''s physique. After all, the purpose of the enhancement drug was to increase their power beyond their current limit.

    Of course, these drugs possessed finite usage capabilities. Furthermore, the most a person could elevate their grading by was to the cusp of their rank. After that, not only would it become borderline suicide, the drugs would lose efficacy as the body rejected them.

    Nevertheless, after listening to his demands, Doctor Arc nodded, "Very well, I believe it may be worth the wager. I''ll grant your request, just get them there, now!"

    With a nod, Jacob brought them downstairs to the lower level. Unlike before, he changed his attire. Even though it looked similar, the elastic material this new suit was made from seemed many times more durable.

    "We are going to be breaking the sound barrier. Therefore, I suggest you cover your ears. Since you aren''t awakened, there''s a 96% chance of your eardrums experiencing compound ruptures," Jacob warned.

    At the same time, he passed both Lucian and Cyrus weakened versions of the suit he wore. Moreover, he also supplied two headgear sets consisting of a visor and noise dampening buds.

    Before wearing it, however, Lucian looked at it curiously, "Earlier, it looked like you didn''t want to take that drug. Are we causing you an inconvenience?"

    "Not necessarily. I was able to swindle 3 months of my salary in return. If I''m lucky, I''ll be able to utilize the Awakened Association''s training chambers to properly exhaust the rest of my potential," Jacob replied.

    "Then, what are the rankings?" Lucian questioned.

    "Well, you''re already heading towards the Association. Once there, the inspector will divulge all the information needed. What''s more important now is for us to get there expeditiously. We''re tight on time," Jacob answered.

    Without delay, he grabbed each of their hands as a subterranean exit leading to the surface opened up. A moment later, he blitzed forward, turning into a blur.

    Once outside, he released their hands, but there was a bitter smile on his face as he did so. Different from before, there was now a small vial filled with milky white liquid in his hand, "Damn it¡­ this damnable medicine," Jacob cursed.

    In one fell swoop, he threw his head back and gulped the contents of the vial. At first, there was no change. But, as the seconds went by, his breath turned into a white mist as light blue veins originating from his neck flowed down towards his extremities.

    The power coursing through him was his own, but it was extremely agitated. Especially his joints, they felt as if they were inflamed and on the brink of tearing, ''This is just a Class D vial, I can''t imagine what those others experience.''

    Typically, such an item wasn''t utilized unless it was a dire situation. But, Doctor Arc knew how hard it was to get their hands on an opening on such short notice. The schedule of the Awakened Association was usually packed. So, he determined it was worth it.

    As long as they awakened, the commission rewarded from the referral of a prime specimen would settle the costs.

    "Are you ready?" Jacob questioned. Unlike before, there were vibrations were coming from his feet as he took up a running posture. As he set up the positioning of his feet, his body continued to cause the ground to tremor.

    "Woah... ready," Cyrus nodded, marveling at the unsteadiness he felt. Similarly, Lucian nodded while in awe as well.

    Since both Lucian and Cyrus answered, Jacob reacted instantly. In a fluid motion, he grabbed them both, hoisting them up under his arms before stomping the ground.

    A single step; that''s all it took for him to propel them over 300 meters in a second.

    Naturally, a sonic boom accompanied this rapid movement, and his speed kept climbing until finally, it bottomed out at Mach 1.2. Be that as it may, it caused an apparent strain on his body as he gritted his teeth the entire time.

    Even though he wanted to continue at his top speed, it was physically impossible for his current condition. Though awakened, he still possessed many limits as he was in truth just a strengthened human. Not to mention, the accumulation of fatigue would overshadow his ability to reach that speed.

    By the time they reached their halfway mark, Jacob''s body could only withstand a steady output of just over Mach 1.

    In light of this, he settled for this constant pace. Due to the initial burst of speed, they were already ahead of schedule. Even if he was forced to reduce his speed under Mach 1, he would still get them there on time.

    On the other hand, even though they were equipped with resistance equipment, the initial breaking of the sound barrier still caused both Lucian and Cyrus to become disoriented.

    ----

    Soon enough, they arrived before the towering building of the Awakened Association. It resembled a large corporation except there were numerous outdoor training facilities aligned in a ring shape.

    "G-go...inside," Jacob heaved, holding back the urge to regurgitate. The duration of the enhancement drug''s effect was an hour at best. And, 30 minutes in, the signs would start appearing and gradually become worse.

    As of now, approximately 40 minutes elapsed. Simply put, accounting for the time it took to prepare, they were right on time.

    Lucian then turned his head and noticed a stream of individuals entering the building before them. He tapped his brother, "Cyrus, look. Let''s enter."

    Both of them ran towards the line, joining the back of the line. Right before they entered, they glanced over to Jacob and watched him take a seat on a public bench. That was the last they saw as the door of the building closed behind them.

    Moments later, within the grand lobby of the Awakened Association branch, they were approached.

    "Welcome, I am Inspector Gareth. I sense that you all share the common trait of seeking the unknown. Thus, I shouldn''t keep you waiting. Let''s begin the walkthrough of the process," the robust, rough man named Gareth announced.

    Everyone remained quiet and followed the man. A quick tour was given, showcasing all of the available training gear before venturing to an expansive room housing a single machine.

    "Here, we''ll test your validity as an Awakened One. For those of you unfamiliar with the procedure, allow me to fill you in," Instructor Gareth boomed, turning towards the pooling crowd.

    Everyone perked up, interested in the information to come.

 Chapter 6 - Different Destiny

    ----

    Gareth stood before the rest of the individuals as a swirl of energy passed through his eyes. A wave of energy burst from his body in the form of a billowing tempest. All of a sudden, his body swelled as his muscles became even more robust.

    At the same time, a fierce expression appeared on his face, "I''m an Augmenter, a physical Awakened centered around amplifying themselves. In order to discern your type, you must first understand where your magical energy accumulates," Gareth voiced.

    Besides an Augmenter, there were several types of Awakeneds. While the broad categories were limited to Physical, Magical, Mental, and Natural, their breakdowns went even further.

    Awakeneds of the physical type were separated into many different forms. Even transformations were part of physical abilities. Typically, magical energy congregated in their muscle fibers, penetrating into their cells.

    Magical abilities are related to conjuring elements such as flames, water, wind, etc., with the energy flowing in one''s body, making their accumulation different. Their strength was determined by the depth of their connection to the ambient elements.

    Compared to the physical type, these abilities were much rarer. In fact, 50% of those who awakened, awakened to physical abilities.

    The Mental type was even rarer, accounting for less than 15% of the awakened population. This entailed that a person possessed strong abilities such as Telekinesis, and other accelerated cognitive abilities. The senses of these types were heightened compared to everyone else.

    Naturally, their accumulation point was their mind.

    Meanwhile, Natural users were even more limited in supply. No more than 5% of the recorded population fell under this category. While it adhered to two unusual types¡ªForce Wielders, and Restorers¡ªboth of them possessed highly coveted abilities. This was especially so for highly ranked individuals.

    Depending on the accumulation area, the association determined the classification of the Awakened. But, the device made further differentiation possible.

    Gareth shifted his arm behind himself, raising awareness of the contraption behind his back, "This device will test the concentration level of your Mana, or if you would like to call it magical energy, which would suffice as well. After all, the presence of this energy led to magical things."

    As everyone laid eyes upon the device behind Gareth''s back, resembling a podium attached to a metal source, they felt a pang of nervousness awaken inside them.

    Suddenly, a petite female voice chirped inside the testing area, "Excuse me, Inspector Gareth. You said there are many types of Awakeneds, but you haven''t addressed the grading. Shouldn''t you mention that as well?"

    "Ah, yes. How could I forget?" Gareth chuckled in response. Shortly after, he revealed even more information to the group. The weakest possible Awakening was classified as F Rank. While it sounded helpless, the weakest F Rank was still above a normal human.

    Beyond this, there were Ranks E, D, C, B, and A. Additionally, each ranking consisted of a "-", neutral, and "+" grading. The strongest possible awakening was A+. But, in truth, A Rank didn''t mark the end, but a new beginning. There was a reason S Rank Awakeneds rarely appeared and never kept that title; each of them possessed a favored opportunity.

    The chance to become a Guardian!

    Though the opportunity to become one was equal for everyone, those who awakened as an S Rank already possessed the means to become a Guardian, since the only difference between an Awakened and Guardian was the ability to grow beyond their first awakening.

    Breaking the silence, Gareth asked the question hanging in the room, "Now, who would like to go first to break the ice?"

    Silence pervaded. There wasn''t a single soul who was confident enough to be the first experiment. Should they fail, they''d potentially become a laughingstock. Even though failing to awaken was a fairly normal occurrence, it was still an embarrassment, nonetheless.

    "Tsk tsk, so no one has the decency to show this old man some compassion? Haiz...very well, I will just choose arbitrarily," Gareth sighed. He then raised his finger towards the girl who spoke earlier, "You there, come forth and try it out."

    The blue-haired girl blinked her black eyes before nodding, "Me? Err, ok."

    She advanced towards the testing contraption and placed her hand on it. She didn''t need to do anything as the device injected its energy inside her palm, generating a response.

    Immediately, her body displayed a reaction as the ambient temperature of the area began dropping drastically.

    Additionally, the girl''s hair turned paler and paler until it settled upon an arctic color. Not to mention, the reaction didn''t lose momentum until there was a ring of frost surrounding the girl with a 2-meter radius.

    "Name?" Gareth questioned with a raised eyebrow.

    "Alana Frost," the girl replied.

    "Any relation to the Frost Witch, Elizabeth Frost?" Gareth inquired. This time, he was more invested in her origins.

    "That...is my aunt," Alana muttered.

    "No wonder," Gareth nodded. "Since you''re already an Awakened, with your background, there''s a chance you may even be a Guardian. For now, we won''t extend an invite, but you have a vibrant A Rank potential. You should advance rather quickly."

    After hearing this, Alana returned to her prior position. Because Alana, the first one to get tested, was already evaluated as an A Rank, the collection of individuals were galvanized to find out their own.

    One by one, everyone continued to test themselves. While some failed, others did well and awakened to some type of useful ability. Be that as it may, by the time they tested half of the people, Alana was still the only A Rank to appear.

    This was a testament to how rare individuals with A Rank or higher potential were. Finally, it was Cyrus''s turn to attempt his awakening.

    As he approached the device, his blood rushed. The murmurs surrounding him faded with only the device remaining in his sights. He was experiencing an extreme case of tunnel vision! His focus at this point was rivaling the impossible.

    The moment his hand landed upon the device; an immediate disturbance took place. The image of a silver wolf appeared behind him before emitting a deafening howl. Even Gareth was shocked by this ordeal.

    The reason behind it was simple; the aura surrounding Cyrus soared without restraint, gaining Gareth''s shock!

    ''A-...A...A+! This is an A+ aura. My god! What are the odds?! A Beast Ability nearing the S Rank boundary! Additionally, there are 2 A Ranks in one batch!'' Gareth thought in a daze. His incredulous expression remained for quite some time.

    Meanwhile, once Cyrus moved his hand away, he stared at it in a stupor. ''That rush of power...I loved it. Is that what I''m capable of?'' Cyrus gulped. He couldn''t help the fact he was stupefied by what he sensed.

    "A beast transformation ability. Those are quite rare because, unlike my ability, they''re more likely to accomplish a more thorough boost in strength. With that being said, I will be the first to congratulate you for your awakening," Gareth praised.

    Cyrus accepted the praise with a nod. Though he didn''t show it explicitly, there was a momentary surge of emotion. With the absence of his parents, praise was nearly impossible to come by.

    As he started to head back, Gareth stopped him. He bent down and whispered into his ear, "Well done. Once we are done here, follow me."

    "Okay," Cyrus answered. He then returned to his position next to Lucian, "You should go up next. If I was able to awaken to this type of power, you should be able to as well."

    Although his words made sense, Lucian couldn''t shake the nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach. Images of his parents flashed in his mind as he looked at the podium. Furthermore, in a way, the wolf behind Cyrus reminded him of his father.

    ''I wonder if Dad held a similar power,'' Lucian thought. It wasn''t confirmed, but Lucian felt this connection was symbolic, it couldn''t be groundless. Nevertheless, under the continued insistence of his brother, Lucian finally caved in. He was one of the next people to approach the device. As he did so, he exhaled.

    Feelings of hope and nervousness welled up inside Lucian, yet he still placed his hand on the apparatus.

    But, similar to those who failed earlier, there wasn''t the slightest reaction. To make matters worse, when the device first injected its energy into his palm, a searing pain radiated throughout his body.

    This wasn''t supposed to happen. Even if the recipient failed, pain shouldn''t appear. If it did, it meant something was amiss. Lucian, on the other hand, didn''t voice his discomfort. As quickly as it appeared, the feeling subsided, almost as if something quelled it.

    Regardless of this anomaly, Gareth''s spirit-shattering verdict still resounded.

    "Your awakening attempt has been deemed a failure. But, don''t worry. There is always a chance to repeat the process. However, heed my words, I suggest you wait until an odd sensation appears as it may be a sign," Gareth said, attempting to pacify any negative emotions that could be festering within.

 Chapter 7 - One Path Remains

    ----

    Although Gareth tried to console Lucian as he withdrew his hand, there was still a look of despondency in his eyes. The feelings which rose in accord with the revelation of his failure were more than mere words could appease.

    ''I vowed to find my parents...how can I accomplish that with no power?'' To Lucian, it meant everything to find out what happened to his parents, so this ordeal devastated him.

    When Cyrus noticed this expression, he consoled his brother, "Stop it, this isn''t the end. It is just a setback."

    Unfortunately, just like Gareth, his words weren''t enough to soothe Lucian. After all, his brother hadn''t experienced what he just did. In fact, it could be said that Cyrus was treading on hallowed waters.

    He wasn''t just a normal A Rank, his potential had been classified as A+. Should he be chosen to become a Guardian, his current attainments would allow him to experience a worthwhile awakening. In his case, there was even a definite chance to become an S Rank¡ª the guaranteed realm of a Guardian!

    Be that as it may, Cyrus still felt it was part of his duty to make sure his brother didn''t feel dejected. If that happened, it would be harder to accomplish their long-standing dream.

    Fortunately, Lucian''s mentality wasn''t overly weak. The past 8 years of taking over his sibling''s parental role influenced his mindset. It wasn''t farfetched to say that a large portion of his childish fulfillment was sacrificed for the sake of his siblings.

    "I know," Lucian nodded, preparing a facade to appease his brother. Still, Lucian couldn''t help but sigh before presenting this facade.

    The sigh released his accumulated worries, allowing Lucian to gather the needed courage, "It isn''t as bad as I think. At least your potential is amazing. If I''m not mistaken, Doctor Arc said a beginner Guardian''s salary was 100 million Credits. Yours should be top-notch as well!"

    Due to his exclamation, Lucian''s last few sentences were overheard. Those who came from families that possessed Guardians could only shake their heads at his naivete. More importantly, Alana, the other A rank was intrigued by their conversation.

    Silently, she approached them, "Uhm, you do know that Guardians and Awakened Individuals reside at completely different levels, right? They stand in two different leagues. After all, a Guardian undergoes a different type of Awakening." Alana disclosed.

    Caught off-guard, Lucian and Cyrus turned towards her. Although they knew there was a difference, they didn''t understand how large the divide was. To put it simply, an A Rank Awakened would never be able to combat an S Rank Guardian. Their abilities just couldn''t be compared.

    Moreover, S Rank was merely the weakest Guardian range, the beginning of Guardianship.

    In light of their expression, Alana understood that the gist of her words had eluded their understanding, "What I''m trying to say is that, as an A+ Ranked Awakened, you''re lucky to see a tenth of that amount."

    Both Lucian and Cyrus sucked in a sharp breath. If Cyrus could only receive a tenth of the mentioned number, it would take at least 10 years to accumulate the funds needed to move forward with their siblings'' treatment.

    "Furthermore, that 100 million Credits you mentioned is the salary of a Guardian, a being born from within the Monolith. You, on the other hand, still need time to grow into your abilities and are a mere Awakened. Because of this, whatever organization you are recruited to will tweak your salary to match your current ability," Alana added. "Well, unless you become a Guardian, of course."

    Once again, Lucian and Cyrus felt as if there was a sledgehammer hitting their minds. It felt like they couldn''t catch a break. Every word uttered by Alana crumbled their spirits as their goal grew increasingly distant.

    "You seem knowledgeable, what type of salary can we expect from current abilities?" Lucian questioned, breaking the momentary pause between them.

    Unfortunately, contrary to what Lucian expected, Alana couldn''t present the desired answer, "I have no clue. Everyone''s initial strength is different. Some may start weaker but grow much faster; others may start stronger but advance slower. It''s just a matter of circumstance."

    "What about starting with a strong initial ability along with a rapid growth rate?" Cyrus interjected.

    "That''s unlikely. The higher you start from, the more potential you exhaust as a drawback. Mm, but it might be possible. It is just an extremely rare case and usually found in the offspring of overwhelmingly strong individuals," Alana said, emphasizing the word extremely.

    "I see," Lucian nodded. Although the chances were slim, as long as they weren''t zero, then there was a chance of it happening.

    "Lucky for us, the Fractured Monolith is slated to choose another batch to awaken as Guardians. Plus, it seems this time the focus group is those under the age of 18!" Alana exclaimed with evident excitement.

    Every time the Fractured Monolith selected a new batch of Chosen, the age group was randomized, and the range was undetermined. It was designed this way to allow every age demographic of humanity a chance to become Guardians; an opportunity to change their lives. After all, Guardians weren''t typical humans.

    Not only was their lifespan exuberant, but the selection of abilities they could awaken was vast and strengthened as well. Granted, the degree of strengthening varied based on the type of awakening one warranted.

    "The monolith is activating again this year?" Lucian gasped. Unlike before, the Fractured Monolith had already been activated three times this year. Typically, it would only perform an annual activation.

    Activation was different from Guardian''s reentering. Activation meant the expenditure of energy to draw in new arrivals.

    Usually, an abrupt change in pattern would arouse suspicion, yet news related to this never circulated to the civilian circle. Both the Federation and Republic released deescalating statements along the lines of bullshit to pacify everyone.

    They surmised that as the Fractured Monolith had absorbed enough residual Mana, it could activate more frequently. Some found it believable, but there were always those vagrants who thought outside the realm of logic. They compiled conspiracy theories.

    Unfortunately for them, their theories never saw the light of day as not only did the Federation and Republic act, even the Guardian Corps and Awakened Association moved to suppress the rumor-filled malarkey.

    "Yes," Alana nodded. She wanted to say more, but Gareth interrupted everyone with a loud cough.

    "Ahem, this concludes the original awakening process. I congratulate the 60% of you who have received a ranking. If anyone would like to rent the usage of the training equipment here, you may stick around. For those of you who failed, it is about time to bid our farewells," Gareth said with a sigh.

    It was always a pain to dismiss those who failed as if they were useless dregs, but that was the protocol of the association. If they were of no use, their presence wasn''t welcome.

    Gradually, the Awakened Association''s crowd thinned until there were barely 100 people left, a mere fraction of the large audience that was just present moments ago. Since they knew the protocol, none of the failures fretted with Gareth and simply excused themselves.

    Not to mention, Gareth was a bonafide A Rank Awakened. He wasn''t in his growth stage; he had reached his peak for quite some time now. There wasn''t a single human present who would want to go toe-to-toe with someone of his stature whilst possessing zero powers.

    On the other hand, Lucian was the only one who failed yet stuck around. Obviously, this was Cyrus''s doing, he inquired if Lucian could stay, in the capacity of him being his brother. Before answering, Gareth considered Cyrus''s rank and ultimately allowed it to happen as a part of Cyrus''s preferential treatment.

    Afterward, Cyrus followed Gareth and met with the branch executives. They discussed a deal in confidence. And finally, they settled upon some type of agreement.

    Provided that he signs a non-exclusive contract with the Association, they agreed to pay Cyrus 2.5 million Credits to best assist his growth. Constant stimulation was ideal for the smoothest advancement.

    Despite the fact it was a mere fraction of what they needed; Cyrus didn''t possess the means to argue a better deal. It was already non-exclusive, and he wasn''t a Guardian. Outside of some exposure for the association, he wasn''t obligated to do much else, nor was he restricted from forming contracts with other organizations.

    Moreover, this was only a temporary contract.

    On the other hand, Lucian''s attention was invested elsewhere. He stared at the Monolith with a cryptic gaze. "Why does it feel like¡­"

    Boom!

    A shockwave occurred and the entire planet trembled in response to the quake. Something different was happening with the Monolith because every symbol on its exterior was lit up.

 Chapter 8 - Atypical Activation

    ----

    "W-what was that?!" Lucian exclaimed as he lost his footing, falling to his butt. Right after the shockwave hit, an aftershock followed. Moreover, it somehow managed to be even stronger than the initial tremor.

    This time, the Fractured Monolith began radiating a low-emission hum and nearly all of the Awakened people felt it. Their immediate thoughts were that something was amiss. After all, the Fractured Monolith never engaged in this type of behavior¡ªthis situation was too abnormal, almost on par with the initial appearance of the monolith.

    Meanwhile, Lucian attempted to get back to his feet, but the aftershock didn''t allow him to do so. Furthermore, the pebbles on the floor started to levitate one inch off the ground, a phenomenon that only took place when the area was flooded with increased levels of Mana.

    The palpable Mana wave was strong enough to permeate the stones, allowing them to transform into another type of resource altogether¡ªManatite, which was a broad term for 3 distinct types of mineral resources: Mana Shards, Mana Crystals, and Mana Stones.

    All of a sudden, a hand grabbed his arm and helped him up, "Your brother, where is he?" Jacob questioned. While they were inside being tested, his condition worsened, but the 3 hours they spent here was enough for him to recover to a less worrisome state.

    "He''s still inside. He was Awakened, so he said they wanted him to meet the branch directors," Lucian answered, finally recovering his footing with the help of Jacob.

    "Oh, really now? What rank did he get? For them to extend a thorough welcome, it should be some like a B- Rank at the least, right?" Jacob questioned again.

    This time, Lucian shook his head. After all, that was a gross underestimation of his brother, "No, he was evaluated as an A+ Rank."

    First, there was a silence between them, but then Jacob''s jaw dropped when he digested Lucian''s words. He couldn''t believe it! Any further and Doctor Arc would have located a unicorn, an S Rank Awakened!

    ''It seems his gambit was more than worth it.''

    Suddenly, Jacob remembered another thing. He had forgotten to ask Lucian''s rank. "What about you? What''s your ranking?"

    This time, Lucian looked crestfallen for a moment before recovering. Even then, he wasn''t truly confident to reveal it. So, he could only mutter the answer under his breath, "Failed Awakening¡­"

    "You failed? Ah, no worries then. When the conditions are right, you''re bound to awaken. After all, it''s rare for one sibling to awaken and another to fail altogether. Not to mention, the Astral Corrosion Sickness can only appear in people that have dormant abilities but weak vessels," Jacob said, trying to encourage Lucian not to give up hope.

    Fortunately, it seemed to work as Lucian nodded, "I understand." Aside from this short reply, he didn''t say much else, but it wasn''t due to a listless attitude. It was because he felt weird.

    Ever since he tried to awaken, something didn''t feel right. It was almost as if he was submerged in a dense liquid and couldn''t breathe properly. The feeling grew with each passing moment, soon reaching unbearable levels. As a result, he clutched his chest and started hyperventilating.

    Afterward, his senses dulled periodically until finally, they malfunctioned completely, the world surrounding Lucian blurring to darkness. The last moment he recalled was Jacob''s panicked voice entering his ear but being unable to respond to it.

    At the same time, the Fractured Monolith emitted one last seismic wave, but this one was special, the fractured openings emanated a blue energy signature. The thickness of the aura varied, but they all gave the same vibe¡ªan inexplicable signature.

    ----

    Sometime later...

    "Urghh¡­where am I?" Lucian groaned, clutching his head as he opened his eyes to an unfamiliar place. Unlike usual, his eyesight was blurry, and everything seemed in disorder from his point of view.

    He even tried to sit up, but a jolt of pain made this an unpleasant process. The pain traveled directly to his head, inducing a splitting headache. Not to mention, trying to focus his vision accentuated the headache.

    "Don''t make any sudden moves. It seems to be that your body is...how do I say this," Jacob muttered with a difficult expression. The news he heard surrounding Lucian''s condition wasn''t great, so he didn''t wish to reveal it.

    Even after a few minutes, he stammered and struggled to let it go. To him, it seemed like the fates of these brothers were like heaven and earth. Perhaps it was the equivalent exchange of the universe. While one was on top of cloud nine, the other was sinking into the pits of nihility.

    "W-what is it?" Lucian finally asked, unable to suppress his curiosity. His voice was unusually hoarse and speaking felt like it was inflaming his vocal cords.

    Despite his anxious questioning, Jacob still couldn''t bring himself to answer.

    Fortunately, a much more callous person popped into the room. "Well, since he doesn''t have the heart nor balls to tell you, allow me to. You have a case which is rarer than the Astral Corrosion Sickness, it is what we call the Zero Point Disease."

    "Zero Point Disease?" Lucian repeated. Even though the name didn''t sound too bad, he could tell from Doctor Arc''s dire tone that it was terrible. "What does that mean?"

    "Well, to put it in simple terms, your body has zero points to release Mana from. So, when the testing contraption injected you with beta-Mana, a higher grade of the Mana we naturally intake, your body only absorbed it but never channeled it back out," Doctor Arc revealed.

    He then pulled up a chair next to Lucian''s bedside with a serious expression, "In addition to 16 years of absorption, the beta-Mana from the contraption has agitated the dormant Mana in your body."

    For a moment, the room fell silent. This all came as one big bomb to Lucian. His mind couldn''t digest the severity of his condition. "S-so...what does that mean for me?"

    "It means, let alone an Awakened, you might not be a normal person for long. With no way to excrete the Mana, you''ll...you''ll experience a Mana Overload and die," Doctor Arc responded in a grim tone.

    To Lucian, it felt like his world had collapsed as the revelation made no sense, "Wait...wait. Can you fix me? You can, right?! Tell me! I have to find out about my parents. I can''t die now," Lucian exclaimed in a panic, clutching the sheets of his hospital bed.

    "I would say yes, but we don''t have access to that type of medical equipment. Not to mention, asking the Guardian Corps is out of the equation. I didn''t wish to tell you this, but based on the levels we measured within you, the rank you would have attained is no more than an F Rank.

    "To put it differently, you didn''t fail your awakening. You''re in fact an F Rank. Your Zero Point Disease just inhibited you from releasing the signs. As for finding your parents, your brother mentioned the same thing. My best advice would be to let him attempt that," Doctor Arc suggested.

    "T-this can''t be¡­ I''m just an F Rank? Doctor Arc, be honest with me. How much longer do I have with this disease?" Lucian asked. However, his tone seemed lackluster, as if his will had been damaged.

    Before answering, Doctor Arc pulled down his glasses and made a rough estimate. "If it was before, living to 18 would have posed no issue. Now, with the Mana in such an agitated state and no feasible way to subdue it, I estimate you have a week before it utterly destroys your insides."

    "A week," Lucian whispered with a defeated expression. He then laid back and pointed his unfocused and seemingly lifeless eyes towards the ceiling, "You know, after my parent''s disappearance, our lives weren''t easy. There were days where we had to sacrifice for Daphne and Silas."

    As he spoke, tears fell down Lucian''s cheek. Regardless, he continued to divulge his story, "Who knew everything would be so cruel. After struggling to survive, who would have thought our fate wasn''t to survive. Not only will I die, so will my two innocent siblings."

    "Why do you believe that they will die?" Doctor Arc interjected, startled by his assumption.

    "I heard about it. The salary that Cyrus can receive won''t cover the costs of the first round of treatment in time." With all of this included, Lucian''s outlook was bleak.

    "Under normal circumstances, yes. But, that right there isn''t normal. It is calling for people," Doctor Arc countered, raising his fingers toward the currently erratic Fractured Monolith. "And, with your brother''s qualifications, he should be of those called. Based on my calculations, the signs aren''t as randomized as everyone is led to believe."

 Chapter 9 - Unique Summoning

    ----

    ''Cyrus holds a chance?'' Lucian thought, finally moving his eyes away from the ceiling. However, the light within his eyes hadn''t recovered. Once again, it was his brother who was at the forefront of a possible blessing.

    Meanwhile, Doctor Arc continued to leak more of his inner thoughts.

    "There is no other explanation as to why it is currently reacting the way it is. The repeated activation should be a rather unique circumstance; activating 4 times in one year is absolutely unheard of!" Doctor Arc exclaimed with passion.

    Usually, the Fractured Monolith would only activate once per year. And, during that time, approximately 500 to 1,000 Guardian candidates would be called. However, this year alone, it drew in more than triple those numbers.

    Even the governing powers couldn''t create explanations for this situation. It reached a level that left them no other choice but to appease the thoroughly curious population. They revealed that their knowledge pertaining to the Fractured Monolith was limited.

    While a lot of the information they possessed was withheld from the public, if they didn''t address this matter, it would lead to civil revolt. After all, when signs of danger or change appeared, it was within human nature to react accordingly.

    "It''s calling for people?" Lucian muttered. At the same time, he felt an odd static signal crackling in his brain all of a sudden. It was reminiscent of when old dial-up television service lost signal. Except, the interference in his mind was soundless, it just drowned out all other noise with it.

    "That''s what I just said, are you listening? Hello? What''s with that blank look?" Doctor Arc repeated, waving his hands before the unresponsive Lucian. His blank expression deepened, followed by the stiffening of his body, frozen in place.

    Even when receiving a message from the Monolith, this never happened. Generally, the message appeared as a coaxing urge, enticing the individual to relinquish themselves to the Monolith.

    Meanwhile, inside Lucian''s mind, an entirely different situation unveiled itself.

    [Remember, paths to power are buried within the Fractured Monolith. When your eyes betray, your heart will know. They are coming, and they will release their restraints. Before that happens, understand your fate so that you may guard your world. Once the Initial Merge begins, the rifts will overtake all. Enter it, boy, you have been summoned to the Fractured Monolith, Guardian.]

    Lucian was stupefied once the message in his mind subsided.

    That message wasn''t the only thing given, but he just couldn''t understand what this presence was revealing to him. At best, it sounded like an indecipherable bundle of signals. Similar to hieroglyphs of the past, images were left in his mind.

    This matter didn''t provide answers but produced a multitude of questions instead.

    Even though he regained control of his senses, he still didn''t reply to Doctor Arc. The aftereffect the message had on his mind was too much of a shock. ''Was that the Fractured Monolith speaking to me? A-...and I have been chosen to become a Guardian? Me? A supposed F Rank?''

    No matter how he tried to look at it, it didn''t make sense. Why would they select an F Rank to become one of the Guardians of a world? While he understood from the history lessons that their planet was involved in an upcoming struggle, something didn''t add up.

    ''They never said who our opponents will be. Will an F Rank''s power even suffice? After learning of my lacking ability, I don''t think I''m fit to take up this role. If I enter that place, I''m bound to experience challenges like no other,'' Lucian muttered. Due to the repeated blows to his mind, he began doubting his worth.

    "Ahem, why the blank, sulking look? As I was saying earlier, the Fractured Monolith I-..."

    "There''s no need, I understand," Lucian interjected, cutting Doctor Arc''s words short. Despite being unresponsive, Lucian could recall Doctor Arc''s words seamlessly, hence there was no need for him to repeat them.

    After dealing with a great deal of pain, Lucian then swung his body around, hanging his legs off the side of the bed, "Where is Cyrus?"

    "Hmm, the last I heard, he was downstairs getting a full evaluation. By now, he''s most likely in the conditioning room. It''s more than likely that he is becoming acclimated to his current strength," Doctor Arc said after a moment.

    "Thank you," Lucian nodded before walking off towards the elevators.

    When Doctor Arc realized his actions, he widened his eyes, "Wait, you don''t have clearance to operate that. Hold on! I will guide you, silly fool." While yelling, Doctor Arc followed right behind him. In addition to that, he was also surprised by the fact Lucian was walking fluently.

    ''Could he be a defensive-type? If his Mana is running amok, only a sturdy vessel would allow him to perform his current actions,'' Doctor Arc inwardly thought.

    Unbeknownst to Doctor Arc, following his summoning, Lucian''s body felt numb. It wasn''t that he was ignoring the pain, he just couldn''t feel it. Based on that, it wouldn''t be long until he was completely summoned.

    Unlike during the Priming, the Fractured Monolith was, in a sense, beyond fully operational. During that time, everyone was summoned elsewhere, the monolith only served as means of travel during that period.

    However, when it restarted years later, when additional Guardians were made, their bodies entered an odd state, courtesy of the Seed World benefit. Their vessels entered a sensitive condition, so to speak.

    The exact process was different for everyone. It depended on the scope of their abilities.

    Once they arrived downstairs in the conditioning area, Lucian witnessed his brother training with metal alloy robots. Their hardness seemed beyond that of titanium, yet based on their movements, it was lighter in comparison.

    ''Nimble opponent,'' Lucian mused, watching behind a glass screen. Quietly, he continued to witness the exchanges of Cyrus and the training bot. However, most of his attacks failed to touch it. As for the strikes that managed to pass through its evasive maneuvers, they made Cyrus wince.

    "This crap is hard¡­" Cyrus grumbled with a frown. Be that as it may, he still punched even harder.

    On the other hand, Doctor Arc clapped merrily. "Marvelous. That is a Class C Training Android. It is outfitted with artificial intelligence and numerous operation patterns. It seems his starting point turns out to be a Rank D+."

    "It looks as if he''s really pushing himself," Lucian replied, focused on the glaring signs of fatigue his brother showcased. Despite his heavy breaths, Cyrus continued. Not just that, there were also multiple pools of sweat on the ground, depicting just how long he had been engaged in combat training.

    "He has to. He is hellbent on advancing quickly. His potential isn''t bad, so it may be possible. If he wishes to get things done, the only way is to be ruthless to himself," Doctor Arc said.

    Although his words made sense, Lucian couldn''t accept that. If his brother did this day in and day out, it would come a time when he ran his body into the dirt. After all, if you weren''t classified as an S Rank by default, then you didn''t possess the ability to transcend humanity''s current limitations.

    Moments later, Lucian turned away, he had seen enough. Furthermore, because of this sight he had made his choice. "When he finishes, tell him that I returned home. But, more importantly, tell him to take his time. He doesn''t need to rush."

    Depending on how one looked at his statement, it could possess more than one meaning.

    With that being said, Lucian left immediately after. He changed out of his hospital robes, back into his usual clothing¡ªa simple pair of black jeans and a white t-shirt with ordinary sneakers.

    Unlike before, he caught public transportation home. The ride was fairly short, just 3 hours long as the trains were capable of reaching a standard of 250 mph.

    ----

    Inside his residence...

    Lucian gazed into the mirror. The longer he refrained from entering the Monolith, the more the glyphs in his mind produced a sonorous tune. It was manageable in the beginning, but it only worsened from then on, reaching a height capable of disorienting Lucian.

    Ultimately, Lucian gave in, another message popping in his mind.

    The only difference from earlier was the fact that the message now gave the option of accepting or declining entry. Since he had made up his mind before coming home, declining wasn''t an option for him.

    ''I couldn''t accept it in the presence of all those people, but I can do so in my home. Now, let''s see if this Monolith holds a solution for all the issues that plague my life,'' Lucian thought, affirming his decision.

    He sat back on the couch before uttering his response with a firm expression, "Accept."

    A tempest of ethereal energy encased Lucian''s body, yet despite the disturbance, the items within the room were untouched. The tempest''s main focus was his body, continuing to shrink until it disappeared, dragging Lucian along with it.

    Unbeknownst to Lucian, his summoning was unique, he escaped the radar of many.

    An individual donning a masquerade mask, hiding all their features except enrapturing golden eyes, could be seen tapping a desk while gazing into numerous screens.

    "Intriguing, indeed. This bunch may possess what it takes. I''ll notify the Overseers to pay close attention," the person spoke, completely unaware of an anomaly taking place in the rightmost screen.

    Nevertheless, they moved forward with their actions.

    [Verified! Multiple Chosen-level candidates detected. Now activating the hidden protocols of the Monolith.]

 Chapter 10 - Never Before Seen

    ----

    Gradually, Lucian''s eyes opened within a foreign space. Turning his head, he witnessed many in a situation similar to him, predominantly clueless whereas the remainder seemed to possess expectant outlooks. As he came across their expressions, Lucian was plagued with questions of his own.

    Slowly, his attention shifted towards his surroundings rather than the people nearby. "Is this the Monolith? I don''t know what I was expecting but... this is different," Lucian mumbled under his breath.

    The area resembled a digitized zone, possessing numerous spanning grid lines, as well as a dull gradient background. Overall, the astonishing sight Lucian imagined seemed to be a far-fetched daydream of an imaginative teen.

    Although the scenery was underwhelming, it was still a new sight to him. This allowed Lucian to take it all in without any complaints. However, his somber mood had already affected his mental state.

    ''With my current situation, the last thing I need is raised expectations,'' Lucian thought. He then panned his attention back towards the others within the confines of this odd space.

    Before moving, Lucian scoped out the others summoned to the monolith. Out of the three groups that caught his eye, some exuded unfriendly auras, others appeared outright unapproachable and lastly, the rest seemed to be rather impatient.

    After learning of their behaviors, Lucian remained in place while a ripple occurred.

    A translucent figure appeared from within despite the lack of an opening. At times, their body seemed to be a mix between digital and holographic, but that didn''t take away from the fact the figure possessed an aura stronger than anyone present. Moreover, a white mask hid their features, and their body was completely covered up.

    "Welcome candidates to the Proximal Space. Since this isn''t truly the domain of the monolith, I can actually appear before you all. However, become a Guardian and this issue will be easily resolved," the figure spoke.

    After glancing around, pleased with the candidates of this round, the figure gave a nod and then continued, "For those of you completely unfamiliar with the proceedings of the monolith, I am an Overseer, one of the many lower-level ones at that."

    Within the hierarchy of the Monolith, the force left to uphold order was known as the Overseers. Their rankings were determined by the number of stars they possessed. The lowest ranking, a single star was a mere Trainee Overseer, one of the most abundant categories. The last ranking is a 7-starred Overseer, a singular existence, known as the Grand Overseer.

    As for the one who appeared before Lucian and the rest, they were a 2-starred Overseer, or in simpler terms, they were certified. Possessing the ability to transverse between a certain number of floors and this Proximal Space as he was the assigned Overseer.

    "Mister Overseer, since you are our guide, does that mean you will distribute rewards?" One of the youths in the crowd asked. While he was on the shorter side, his slender frame did well to hide that fact. Moreover, based on the way he carried himself, it was clear he possessed an abundance of confidence.

    "Mm, possibly but that isn''t what you should be worried about right now. On the contrary, I believe there is a matter that is much more important right now¡ªRefinement," the Overseer answered.

    The moment he mentioned Refinement, a number of youth''s eyes brightened, similar to a toddler being given a new toy, or perhaps even candy. To those who were unaware, the term Refinement didn''t mean much, but they couldn''t be more wrong.

    Refinement was one of, if not the utmost important factor to a beginner Guardian, this was because it was a compliment to Awakening. Furthermore, even if you were unawakened, it served as a catalyst to expedite the process and instantly propel the individual into the realm of Refinement.

    Unlike an Awakening, Refinement existed in 4 variations¡ªNormal, Strengthened, Elite, and lastly, Extraordinary. Each counterpart was stronger than the last, but similarly, it possessed more stringent requirements to acquire them. Not to mention, Refinement could only take place once. The only time this wasn''t true was when a Variant was born.

    Unfortunately, Refinement wasn''t based on the strength of the vessel like an Awakening was. Refinement operated on far more mystical principles.

    "Let the Refinement begin, I hope I at least witness the birth of many Elite figures. Every single person who achieved an Elite Refinement now has an illustrious reputation," the Overseer commented.

    After a short pause, he snapped his finger. "Let''s see just how vibrant your fates are, do any of you have vigorous destinies capable of taking you far on this extensive journey? Let us see. Now, indulge in the rewards of your predecessors!"

    ''Fwmm!'' ''Woosh!''

    A low humming noise gathered in the skies above before allowing countless pillars of white light to descend upon everyone present, bathing them in undulating waves of comfortable warmth. Initially, the pillars'' shells were thin, but gradually each of the pillars thickened until gleaning information pertaining to the events of the interior was impossible.

    Yet, all of a sudden, the translucent figure frowned. "What?"

    Unlike the rest of the individuals blanketed in their pillar of light, an anomaly took place. One of the pillars, despite absorbing the ambient energy, failed to solidify. In comparison to the rest, it was dilapidated and threatened to collapse with the slightest contact.

    Albeit hidden, there was shock plastered across the masked Overseer''s expression. In all of his years in service, this was the first time he had come across such an abnormality. No matter how weak one''s destiny was, it was always strong enough to permit the pillar''s thickening. In other words, Lucian''s predicament was a novelty.

    Finally, after some time, the Overseer pulled himself together. "You there, what is wrong with you?"

    "Are...you talking to me?" Lucian responded. He was caught off guard by the sudden questioning. Not to mention, while within the pillar, it was difficult to discern outside events. The energy comprising the pillar disrupted perception.

    "Yes, you! Just what is wrong with you? Why is the Fractal Pillar not reacting towards you?" The Overseer questioned. This ordeal had truly stumped him. Only a faint amount of the energies present entered Lucian''s body, and what little amount did enter flowed with a botched circulation.

    In response, Lucian could only remain silent while looking clueless. Similar to some present, this was his first time hearing of Refinement and the like. While some others may possess more knowledge if they grew up around Guardians, Lucian wasn''t subject to this luxury.

    "My apologies, I have overlooked your origins. Some of you aren''t aware of the matters supporting this place. This is known as a Fractal Pillar; it utilizes a special type of energy to upgrade your Mana and vessel simultaneously. Hold on," the Overseer said, glancing through something before his eyes.

    Currently, the Overseer was sifting through the information of the chosen people. However, even after triple-checking his search, he couldn''t find any sign of Lucian''s records.

    "This is unprecedented. Since my first years as an Overseer, this is the first time I have seen an unrecorded person. Very well, I''ll have to resort to the manual way."

    Suddenly, Lucian voiced his own theory. "Well, could my Zero Point Disease have something to do with it? My body doesn''t emit Mana properly," Lucian answered, trying to help provide an answer. If the others didn''t possess the same sickness, then it was possible this might be the sole reason.

    "That''s not the issue. The Fractal Pillar cleanses all issues, ranging from Astral Corrosion to Tattered Vessels. I''m afraid the problem isn''t your vessel, but your destiny," the Overseer responded.

    ''It''s not my body, but my destiny?'' Lucian thought. As he contemplated this, he couldn''t help but voice his curiosities, "What does this destiny mean?"

    The first time he heard of this was when he listened to the message received from that unknown voice.

    "Well, first you need to understand that your planet is nothing but a minor world. In the records, it is listed as DMW-001491625. But, as a Minor Seed World, the Fractal Pillar of the multiverse was bestowed upon your people," the Overseer said in an odd tone. He sounded both proud of the pillar but disappointed with the development of this expected batch.

    "As for the blessing I speak of, that is the merging of destinies, or rather absorbing your doppelgangers. The Fractal Pillar extracts all copies of yourself from the multiverse and combines them into one person. Then, based on your accumulation of destiny, you are rewarded with befitting abilities. Of course, it isn''t free. You must work for it!"

    "Well... this doesn''t make sense. Why has the situation become even more bizarre?!" the Overseer muttered, his voice quaking with trepidation. Under his mask, his eyes widened to a comical sight.

 Chapter 11 - Refinement Levels

    ----

    The Overseer remained nonplussed, gazing at the screen before him. The summary of Lucian''s seemingly confounding prospects had appeared!

    [Accumulated Destiny: 1]

    [Additional Fractal Versions: 0]

    [Awakening: F]

    [Refinement: Incomplete Normal]

    [Advancement: Indiscernible]

    ''This is absolutely shocking; just how did he end up here? An F Awakening, in addition to a Normal Refinement? This is unprecedented, I''ve never seen someone with a single destiny! What in the world is wrong with this individual?!'' the Overseer internalized.

    Not only was the baseline of a Guardian an A Rank Fractal Rating, but even the lowest Refinement would grant this increase in strength, but Lucian''s situation was truly odd.

    While in his daze, one by one, the others'' pillars shattered. Upon completion, a mechanical voice entered their ears and the information in the records was updated instantly.

    The same information displayed to the Overseer was delivered to Lucian. Contrary to what one would expect, his attitude wasn''t radical. Because of the Overseer''s reaction, he had already prepared himself for the worst. And, lo and behold, it appeared¡ªyet another blow to submerge him within the widening pit of despondency.

    "Odd, very odd. That means besides this vessel, there are no other copies of you, or at the very least, they have done nothing to gain a fate; yet even that is hard to accomplish. Fate isn''t exceedingly hard to acquire. However, in your case, I believe the only reason you''ve generated fate is because of your arrival here," the Overseer surmised, concluding Lucian''s situation.

    Afterward, a look of pity crept upon his face, "I''m not sure whether or not you''ve been condemned. But, if you manage to survive in this tower, I''ll treat you just the same as the others. It is our duty as an Overseer to remain impartial."

    In response, Lucian could only nod. Truthfully speaking, Lucian expected a derisive attitude, similar to the disposition of his world. F Ranks were frowned upon, rarely finding a place in society due to two reasons.

    First, because they were awakened, their status engendered envy from normal humans, those who dreamed of awakening to abilities. Sadly, despite numerous tries, some just never awakened them.

    Second, their low rankings garnered ostracization from higher ranking, viewing them as nothing more than disposable eyesores; only in some cases were they deemed useful.

    As a result, Lucian felt respect for the Overseer, but something else he said bothered him.

    "You said I arrived here; don''t you mean I was summoned?" Lucian inquired. From the Overseer''s words, it sounded more like an intrusion than summoning.

    "No, I meant what I said. You arrived here. Since there are no records of you, that means you weren''t summoned. If you were, I would have your information. Hence, why I said your situation is odd," the Overseer responded.

    "I see," Lucian nodded, even more questions arising within his mind; if the situation was this unique, what was the cause of it? Sadly, from the Overseer''s lack of knowledge, Lucian knew he wasn''t the one to obtain information from.

    "Also, do you have a name? I don''t think going around calling you Overseer all the time is normal," Lucian commented.

    "You may address me as Overseer Vohr," he answered. After answering, although he was still translucent, he purposely revealed some of his defining features. The only difference between his appearance and a human was the horn atop the mask and the wing-tipped ears.

    All of a sudden, Overseer Vohr snapped his fingers.

    One by one, the appearance of the shattered pillars changed, lines of vibrant energy resembling a circuit board surfacing on each piece. In the next moment, the fragments synthesized with every youth''s body.

    From here, this was where the power of their Fractal Versions merged with them, astral winds of different intensities appearing in place of the pillars. Overseer Vohr, on the other hand, watched out for any noteworthy individuals. More specifically, he was observing for anyone with an Elite or greater Refinement.

    Different destiny accumulations were required to achieve each higher level of Refinement. A Normal one required 1 - 19 accumulated destinies. Strengthened required 20 - 49 accumulations, but Elite required at least 50 accumulations, making it extremely difficult to attain and strengthen. However, Extraordinary was even more stringent, requiring a number that was rarely reached¡ªat least 500.

    For the most part, the majority experienced the Strengthened version. It wasn''t odd for one to have 25 copies of themselves, each bearing as least one accumulated destiny. As for information surrounding Elite and Extraordinary, that was hard to come by. Any sensitive information was generally guarded without utmost security.

    However, even within the Refinements levels, there was a divide. Depending on the completion of the range percentage, the amplification was more thorough. In other words, an Elite Refinement with 200 accumulations would be stronger than one with 100.

    Once everyone''s respective fragments merged with their vessel, the phenomenon subsided. An immediate change was felt in everyone, even Lucian, despite the lacking effectiveness of his refinement process.

    Patiently, Overseer Vohr analyzed everyone''s Fractal Pressure. According to what he witnessed and discerned from the records; 8 individuals had reached an Extraordinary Refinement!

    ''At the very least, their vessel will reach the peak of the Transient Realm. Touching beyond that will depend upon their luck and encounters as with any other minor beings we assist,'' Overseer Vohr thought.

    Afterward, he directed everyone''s attention elsewhere.

    "Since you have undergone this transformation, you all can be counted as pseudo-Guardians, therefore, you also have some qualities unique to this title. For example, take a look at the back of your palms."

    A symbol resembling a segmented hexagon compromising both inverted and stretched triangular shapes materialized there. Until they advanced in the monolith, this was just a basic insignia, but it served as proof of their attempt at Guardianship.

    "Just picture a status menu and the symbol should react," Overseer Vohr instructed, noticing the change in all of their expressions.

    Lucian, for one, was intrigued by the different choices emerging in a simple format.

    [?Status?] [?Inventory?] [?FM Shop?] [?Tasks?] [?Destiny?]

    "Begin by taking a look at your status, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with your parameters and abilities. After all, not too long from now, I''ll be sending you all into the tutorial space," Overseer Vohr revealed.

    ----

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmenter

    Fractal Rating: F (F+)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 15/15 (.5 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F

    ?Endurance: F

    ?Dexterity: F

    ?Vitality: F

    ?Perception: F

    ?Spirit: F-

    ?Wisdom: F-

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 0

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    At a glance, Lucian felt his parameters were underwhelming. There wasn''t a single attribute surpassing the F threshold, indicating his current rank.

    Meanwhile, the 8 who achieved Extraordinary Refinements displayed satisfied expressions. Their auras were reminiscent of behemoths, reigning supreme above the rest.

    "Some of you may possess a single ability, others may possess more than one, but each of you plays a definite role in clearing the floors of the Monolith. Although it is possible to do so alone, it isn''t advised. The foes set in place are more than strong enough to give your current level a substantial fight," Overseer Vohr announced.

    Afterward, he swiped his hand horizontally, sending an alert to everyone. In front of Lucian, a message appeared.

    ?Alert: 100 Merge Tokens have been deposited into your account.?

    ''Merge Tokens?'' Lucian thought curiously, but then he noticed a question mark symbol next to the number. When he focused on it, the question mark expanded into a variety of information. Reading through it, Lucian became aware of several ways to utilize the points. It went hand in hand with the menu before his eyes.

    Although the tokens couldn''t be used directly on the status menu, one could purchase a slew of items from within the shop. Once purchased, it would remain in one''s inventory until used or until a certain accomplishment was fulfilled.

    "Make sure to select the useful items to assist you later on. You have 3 minutes to do so. Afterward, we''ll conclude our meeting with a breakdown of the tutorial to come," Overseer Vohr said.

    Before everyone''s eyes, a timer of a hundred and eighty seconds appeared. Naturally, this was the time given to decide their choice of items.

    The moment the timer appeared; Lucian focused on analyzing the items in the shop. If he wasted time, he wouldn''t be able to evaluate the best combination of items to bring along.

    Browsing through the FM Shop, he realized it was separated into 4 major parts: Weapons, Armor, Knowledge, and Consumables. Outside of that, there seemed to be other options, but they were blacked out. When he focused on them, a message repeated.

    ?Alert: Authority insufficient. Access to the second tier is denied.?

    ''Authority? Why does it start out as indefinable?'' Lucian mused while also pondering the optimal way to spend his points.

    ?Alert: 150 seconds remaining.?

    As the notification reappeared with less time, Lucian pushed the question to the back of his mind. With the time left, he quickly browsed through the consumables, but halfway through, he stopped. After the eighth item, the given amount wasn''t sufficient to purchase a single item.

    Hence, Lucian directed his attention to the equipment. Within seconds, he laid eyes upon useful items. In addition to protective gear, there was a vast selection of inferior weapons along with numerous potions.

    ''Although they are inferior, since they give us these tokens, they should at least be worth something. However, I don''t think it is practical for me to use every last one. It may be more important to save some,'' Lucian determined.

    The more he thought about it, the more he believed his reasoning. As a result, he settled for the necessities. In this case, splurging wasn''t the best case because realization dawned upon Lucian.

    ''Just like Overseer Vohr revealed, we''ll be able to interact without interfaces as long as we bear this marking. So, perhaps he''s testing us to see how our skills of preparation are?''

    While looking around, Lucian noticed some people with overwhelmed expressions. These were the bunch who didn''t fare well under pressure. Their decision-making skills deteriorated when left in stick situations. In other words, they weren''t fit to be leaders or reliable trump cards for that matter.

    Meanwhile, Lucian spent 80 tokens, acquiring what he deemed to be necessary for the process.

    ?Alert: You have acquired the 6 following items: Inferior Battle Suit (Light), Inferior Dagger, Inferior Bow, Crude Arrows (25), Slingshot & Stone Package, Lesser Recovery Package.?

    At first, he thought about choosing a sword and shield, but he decided against it for the time being. Not only was he inexperienced, but he was unaware of the upcoming enemies'' strength, so taking hits wasn''t ideal.

    Besides, since young, his accuracy was decent. So he felt confident about using a bow and arrow despite his lack of formal training.

    Still, he left enough tokens to give himself a cushion for any unforeseen scenarios.

    Once his purchase was finalized, Lucian''s appearance was refreshed. He now donned a battle suit made from a futuristic and sturdy yet lightweight material reminiscent of Kevlar. Additionally, there was a quiver of arrows and a bow on his back accompanied by small pouches hung around his waist, followed by a dagger strapped to his thigh.

    Several moments later, the timer finally reached zero, causing a drastic change in scenery. Everyone stood in the middle of a vast forest, thrumming with verdant foliage and towering trees. Be that as it may, it seemed vacant.

    "Before I send you into the tutorial space, you all will need to form teams. It''s advised you mingle amongst yourselves to form squads of 8. There are exactly 800 of you, so I expect 100 teams. Balance doesn''t matter as you''ll have to learn that fairness is relative to the situation," Overseer Vohr announced.

    The atmosphere instantly turned social, everyone searching for potential partners, but Lucian noticed everyone zoomed past him and likely even avoided him like a plague!

 Chapter 12 - Difficult Placement

    ----

    Lucian could only smile bitterly at the situation he was currently facing. Because of his weak Fractal Pressure¡ªthe signature a Guardian exuded¡ªhe was an overlooked choice when it came to choosing a reliable team member.

    The disregard stung but wasn''t in the position to bicker.

    Quickly, the other teams found members to complement the shortcomings of their abilities. On the other hand, there was another bizarre situation that took place. Unexpectedly, the 8 extraordinary members didn''t accept one another into their parties.

    To the outside, this decision might seem odd but there was sound reasoning behind it. Not only did some of their abilities conflict with each other, but they were making insightful moves to pave the way for the future.

    Not to mention, they understood this option wasn''t practical. If they joined hands, then it would become a war over who acquired the most resources, and that was a detrimental situation. Therefore, they traveled a different route.

    These 8 weren''t focused on developing a temporary team, they were setting the foundation for their inevitable factions. Hence, they spread out and examined the other individuals of their own accord, finally coming across the 7 they deemed worthy. The prior 800 then dwindled to a remaining 736 pseudo-Guardians.

    Witnessing this ordeal, Lucian felt his heart clench, ''I should have expected as much, unwanted by all. I guess Overseer Vohr''s attitude isn''t infectious, announcing our Refinement ranking played a huge role in this situation,'' Lucian thought, sighing deeply.

    To make matters worse, the remaining number of selectable people was draining continuously. Reluctantly, Lucian took it upon himself to actively approach every squad lacking people. However, nearly all of his attempts were rejected, only for them to choose the person who came directly after.

    Fortunately, they could only reject him for so long. The last party he approached was the only one left without a full roster. Thus, Lucian was granted entry by default, but that didn''t resolve the disgruntled expression they bore.

    Part of their attitude was due to Lucian''s presence, but a majority of their displeasure was derived from their pickiness. Before Lucian, they rejected a number of people, but their decision resulted in the worst possible outcome.

    Granted, the only reason they rejected so many people was due to their initial line-up¡ª3 of their core members underwent an Elite Refinement. In other words, at the very least, their vessel would tackle the S Rank Boundary.

    After all, only an Elite Refinement or greater was capable of creating a vessel capable of entering the S Rank. However, even then, there were special clauses in the strengthening process.

    A few moments after everyone found a team to situate themselves in, Overseer Vohr snapped his figures, claiming everyone''s attention.

    "You are about to undergo a trial. We can also call it a tutorial. The task will be simple; survive and complete the tasks that arise. Should you complete them, you''ll gain the fortune of becoming a full-fledged Guardian. If you don''t, then your chance of becoming a Guardian will be revoked as will your Refinement privilege," Overseer Vohr announced.

    Everyone reacted to this revelation differently; the most extreme ones gasped in fear of failure. These were the ones who barely reached the cusp of a Normal Refinement. Compared to the others, their abilities weren''t as worthwhile.

    "However, I will also reveal to you that as long as you pass the tutorial, there will be no revocation of your privileges," Overseer Vohr said, causing most of them to release their repressed breaths. Sadly, his next words were even worse¡ª"Granted, there is always the chance of death."

    Before they could even react, Overseer Vohr chuckled and snapped his fingers once again. The once vacant feeling disappeared, vanishing as if it was a facade.

    An unknown force then wrapped around everyone, transporting the teams to different areas of the expansive forest. Each team was given an area large enough to avoid conflicts with anything outside of the matters related to the given tasks.

    ----

    Lucian and 7 other individuals appeared in an unfamiliar zone within the large forest. The trunks of these particular trees surrounding them on all sides resembled steel yet wood at the same time.

    The presence of Mana permeated the trees, affecting this area extensively. However, this wasn''t what caught Lucian''s eye. In the center of the trees, there was a large boulder bearing mystical inscriptions.

    Looking at the stone presented a status of information.

    [Guardian Stone (Objective)]

    Integrity: Perfect

    Damage Sustained: Zero

    Barrier: Intact

    Suddenly, another prompt activated; a wave of alerts appearing before Lucian and his teammate''s eyes.

    ?Alert: Both your actions and arrival have spurred the start of your main objective. [Estimated Objectives: 2]?

    ?Tutorial Objective?

    Objective Name: S&P - UTED

    Information: As a Guardian, your purpose is to both survive long enough and protect your world. Because of this, your task will emulate these situations. Only by experiencing what is expected of you will you understand the responsibilities that befall a Guardian.

    Details:

    (Main Task)-

    -Survive for 24 hours. -Incomplete-

    -Protect the Guardian Stone. -Incomplete-

    (Side Task)-

    -Maintain the Guardian Stone''s Perfect Integrity -Optional-

    Reward(s)-

    -Guardianship

    -1 Enhancement Voucher (Inferior)

    -50 to 500 Merge Tokens. (Depends on the final state of the Guardian Stone.

    -0.4 Destiny Accumulations

    *Completion of the side task will add a multiplier to certain rewards.

    Everyone browsed through the objective''s details, paying close attention to the side task. Upholding perfect integrity meant at most, only the barrier was allowed to sustain damage. In theory, it sounded simple, but there was more to it.

    Suddenly, the rustling of the foliage and the shaking of the trees intensified, symbolizing the approach of the tutorial''s assaulters.

    ''If that was the case, this can''t be a solo mission. That rock is too big for one person to protect. How could Overseer Vohr say it''s possible to climb the tower alone?''

    Lucian''s worries only increased when the rumbling worsened. Lucian tried his best to bury them. Unfortunately, it was more difficult than he thought.

    "Why are you so nervous? We''re about to fight; it should be exciting to you! What, are you some kind of a wimp? If so, I suggest you distance yourself. No one wants a hindrance around," one of the other individuals sneered. Lucian''s behavior was amusing to him. When he smirked, sharp canines nearly pierced his lip.

    "No," Lucian answered but before he could continue, one of the trees in the distance fell, producing a cataclysmic tremor. Immediately, this development put them on high alert.

    "Cezar, stop messing around with him and sense what we''re dealing with," a girl with crimson hair and an aloof expression commanded.

    In response, Cezar, the olive-haired youth with sharp canines inhaled without end. "It''s a stampede of beasts and they''re headed straight this way."

    Lucian gazed into the distance, alerted by Cezar''s declaration. Not too far away, a cloud of dust was kicked up in wake of the stampeding horde. Inside, there was a collection of raging beasts indigenous to forest settings. However, a stark contrast to the typical appearance was their overgrown husks and extremely muscular build.

    "Ho ho ho, my old man told me about these, these are ferocious animals! I think they should be E Rank Monsters if I''m not mistaken," Cezar revealed, withdrawing his hand from the ground.

    Out of nowhere, Cezar lifted his head to the sky and inhaled until his chest threatened to burst. A moment later, he released a beastly howl, directed towards the horde. Although it didn''t deter the incoming beasts, it achieved another effect.

    Some of the beasts slammed into each other and caused a disruption in the stampede.

    "Heh, dumb beast. This is gonna be a piece of cake!" Cezar sneered. "We''re ready. Let''s move."

    He didn''t even wait for the leader''s signal, Cezar retrieved two short swords from his waist, dexterously wielding them. Even though they boasted the same quality as Lucian''s weaponry, a thin blanket of orangish energy surrounded the blades.

    Similarly, the scarlet hair girl named Elaine drew a line across the air before her, an amber spark flickering constantly. Arrows of flames materialized, which then zoomed towards the 4 of the incoming beasts.

    With ease, Elaine''s arrow incinerated their targets, reducing the number of approaching beasts. Conversely, Cezar sliced two enemies to bits in the same timeframe.

    Meanwhile, Lucian could only spectate their actions with awe. ''E Rank monsters don''t pose any danger to them, maybe my worries were just foolish.''

    Lucian then turned his attention towards a disoriented lone beast. It was currently dealing with the effects of Cezar''s roar, attempting to resolve them.

 Chapter 13 - A Guardians Tutorial (I)

    ----

    Lucian sprang forward, clutching the handle of the dagger strapped across his thigh. As he advanced, Lucian made sure to pay close attention to any changes occurring to his surroundings. After all, it wasn''t hard to be blindsided in this type of environment.

    Since there was no proper enclosure, and trees circled them with narrow gaps on every side, Lucian lacked the proper means to secure every direction. Luckily, these opponents didn''t seem too aware of positioning tactics.

    They retained the same intelligence as a feral beast with only their reckless and relentless charges posing any danger.

    Nevertheless, Lucian tried his best to prepare himself. Once he was within 10 meters of the beast, he finally withdrew the weapon, telling himself he was ready. Although his movements appeared clumsy, he possessed the required dexterity standard to refrain from dropping his weapon.

    Still, as Cezar noticed his movements, he scoffed, ''Did we really just pick up a novice? God, I hope this is judged individually. If not, then I''ll have to say something. I''m not a trainer. Not to mention, what Awakened doesn''t possess prior knowledge of weaponry?!''

    When Lucian brandished the dagger, he wielded it with a neutral grip, but it was held at an awkward angle. Typically, when using a dagger, the focus wasn''t to wield it like a sword. Firstly, the length difference of the blade made that movement method obsolete, requiring more finesse to capitalize on this style.

    The practical utilization would be a reverse grip hand positioning followed by the use of two daggers or learn how to make use of the dagger''s properties to employ a front-wielding style.

    Since the weapons were small in nature, it wouldn''t compromise the speed of a strike. Hence, why most assassins adopted a dual dagger style. When their dexterity was high enough, the issue of dominant and non-dominant hands was tossed out the window.

    As a novice at best, Lucian didn''t possess the knowledge or experience required to properly employ this style.

    Due to his awkward stance, when Lucian struck the hide of the boar, he felt a small throb in his wrist. Before he could pay any attention to it, however, the boar rammed its head into his chest, tossing him meters away.

    By the time he recovered, Cezar stood over that same boar, flipping his dagger continuously as he stared at Lucian with a disappointed gaze, "Perhaps you''re deserving of that F Rank rating you received. I''m not one to talk down, but you have to realize something¡ªthis is just the first wave."

    As mentioned in the prompt, there was a 24-hour duration to this task. Meaning, everyone present would have to last 24 hours to be cleared as a Guardian. Yet, not even 10 minutes in, and not only was Lucian struggling to deal with a mere beast, but he also suffered quite a heavy blow.

    ?Alert: You have received a heavy strike. Inferior Battle Suit sub-effect activated.?

    Thankfully, the suits were equipped enough to handle the strikes of a mere E Rank beast. When it came to beast rankings, E Rank was their beginning. The reason there was no F rank beast was related to the fact they didn''t suffice.

    As the Monolith was purposed with training Guardians, F Rank beast failed to meet the standard; plus, they were found in remote areas of Alteria and other minor worlds.

    For a Guardian, at the very least, an E Rank monster was required, and that was just the beginning. With every advancement, the lack of difficulty and their sparse Mana levels would gradually lose all effectiveness.

    To put it differently, the Monolith judged the rewards based on the difference in strength and difficulty of elimination.

    If a B Rank Guardian defeated a D Rank Beast, then the outcome of the points would be diminished to 5% of the beast''s value. This was another reason why once a Guardian reached a certain rank, they rarely wasted their time fighting weaker opponents. The weakest opponent they would fight against was their own ranking, but every battle was accompanied by unforeseen dangers.

    Meanwhile, Lucian glanced over the alert, learning of the battle suit''s ability to absorb a certain portion of the damage he received. Even then, it possessed a threshold, on top of a durability status. If he received too much damage, he ran the risk of trashing the suit before the end of the tutorial.

    On the other hand, due to his lack of answers, Cezar gave him even more of a skeptical look, examining him closely, "Are you mute?"

    "I''m not mute," Lucian responded immediately. Although it wasn''t hostility, Lucian did harbor some objection over the matter of Cezar taking his enemy. Granted, Lucian also understood he wasn''t a match for this person, but he was entitled to his own feelings, nonetheless.

    "Then why didn''t you answer?" Cezar asked, stepping closer to Lucian. From Lucian''s earlier appearance, Cezar could tell he was doing something along the lines of reading. Apparently, this made him curious about the contents.

    "I was reading the alert about this armor," Lucian responded, pinching at the battle suit covering his body. Since they weren''t Guardians, they didn''t possess the ability to inspect their equipment just yet, so they weren''t privy to the effects embedded in their item, or if they even possessed them, for that matter.

    Cezar was quiet for quite some time as he scrutinized Lucian, but then shrugged after a while.

    "Anyway, like I was saying, this is only the beginning. If you can''t handle yourself, then I feel sorry for you. Because you won''t be able to take advantage of a Guardian''s best ability!" Cezar revealed, crouching in front of Lucian, looking him eye to eye.

    "What would that ability be?" Lucian asked curiously. He could tell at a glance that the individuals with elite abilities were the progeny of families or organizations equipped with prior Guardians, indicating they possessed more information than others.

    "The ability to derive power from the being of this mystical place," Cezar chuckled. Afterward, without a care, he displayed his status window¡ªsomething most Guardian''s wouldn''t do.

    However, their abilities as candidates were lacking. They couldn''t inspect their peers to find out the intricacies of their abilities, limited only to what the individual revealed. Only after becoming a Guardian with a certain level of Perception would possibilities arise.

    ----

    Name: Cezar Raiesh

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Physical (Transformation)

    Fractal Rating: D (S)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 205/205 (3 Mana Units per min.)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D

    ?Agility: D+

    ?Endurance: E+

    ?Dexterity: D

    ?Vitality: D

    ?Perception: D+

    ?Spirit: D

    ?Wisdom: D-

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 1.2

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ? ??? [S Rank Ability]

    ? ??? [S- Rank Ability]

    ? ??? [A+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    Bypassing his stats, Lucian''s attention was first attracted to the point category under the Enhancements. Unlike Lucian''s, whose value remained at 0, Cezar possessed 1.2 points. The only difference between their actions was the number of enemies slain.

    ''From what I saw, Cezar has only killed 4 enemies so far. So, I guess I can infer the value of the beasts is 0.3 points. The only question is...what the hell is the use for these points?'' Lucian thought.

    As for Cezar''s ability, Lucian didn''t even try guessing. All the information was sealed, leaving Lucian clueless. However, one thing remained clear. ''3 strong abilities. I''ll have to remain wary of him.''

    Sometime after, Cezar canceled the display.

    "If you fail to kill beasts, you''ll just fall behind. From what I''ve been told, the floors of the Monolith aren''t too fun. Hence, the tutorial is the best time to accumulate points. Sadly, it''s also a race more than it is a team endeavor," Cezar said, shaking his head in the process.

    Although the tutorial appeared to be a group examination on the surface, it actually tested the value of an individual. What''s more, only the one who defeated the foe claimed the points. In other words, it was every man for himself, allegedly.

    ''Is that true? The objective of this test couldn''t be so selfish, right? If that''s the case, then I think I understand why the Guardians are regarded the way they are. Their self-indulgence is cultivated in this tower,'' Lucian thought.

    Finally, he rose to his feet, brushing off the damage. Although the battle suit absorbed a good amount of the blow''s force, his health indicator dropped to 92%, suggesting some damage.

    However, thanks to his endurance, his body was rather resilient despite his frail-looking physique. If someone else bearing his rank alongside lacking endurance thought of tanking the blow, the amount of health they were left with would be less than desirable.

    "Cezar, retreat to the Guardian Stone''s perimeter. Stop doing useless things and stay focused," Elaine commanded, a cold and indifferent look in her eyes. When her gaze fell on Lucian, he returned.

    It was only for a moment, but she looked intrigued before glancing back at her objective.

 Chapter 14 - A Guardians Tutorial (II)

    ----

    After bearing the brunt of Elaine''s uncaring gaze, Lucian was left with an uneasy feeling. He didn''t feel a shred of camaraderie from any of the people in the party.

    ''They all look down on me, especially her. Does she detest me?'' Lucian thought, watching Elaine kill the last beast of the first wave.

    Immediately, they all retreated close to the Guardian Stone, recounting their earlier battle. However, as Lucian drew near, his movements looked awkward, apparently trying to avoid more derision.

    "Tch, why did we get stuck with him? Ms.Frigid, I think this one is entirely on you. We told you to accept one of the others into the party," one of the other party members voiced. He possessed a muscular build along with dominant features.

    Additionally, he was clad in a battle suit, except he chose the heavy version, complimenting his strong suit¡ªdefense.

    For the likes of Elaine and the others were attack-oriented with lacking defense, he served as their shield. For those who were blessed with purely defensive abilities, the Monolith judged their actions differently to maintain fairness and allow all sections of the team.

    "Elliot, you idiot. There''s a reason for his presence, or do you think Elaine''s foresight is lacking? If so, maybe you want to take that up with the Flame Sorcerer," one of the girls lingering around Elaine, chuckled. She clutched a staff, swinging her head toward Elliot, which caused her voluminous light-violet hair to sway along with her.

    "W-what?! When have I ever questioned the Lord of Flames or Elaine for that matter? I''m just saying, Priscilla; this kid is very useless," Elliot retorted, presenting a fearful expression at the mention of the moniker "Flame Sorcerer."

    Obviously, Elaine bore a relation to them, otherwise, Priscilla wouldn''t have gone to the extent of mentioning them.

    All of a sudden, their bickering was cut short by Elaine, her serene voice breaking the dissension, "Everyone has a purpose; even he has a reason for being here. I won''t mention this again, so drop the topic and focus on the task at hand. That is, of course, if you want me to take the points for myself."

    "Hell no, you ain''t hogging them!" Cezar exclaimed, his silver eyes dancing with a fervent light. Within the party, he was one of the only ones ballsy enough to confront Elaine, but due to the relationship they shared, she never took offense to it.

    The only other person was the most inconspicuous individual in the party, a black-haired boy wearing slim glasses and a leather battle suit with only a bow and arrow to accompany it.

    "Matthias, why are you so quiet? That is unlike you," Priscilla questioned, noticing his lack of movement the entire time. While the others were focused on annihilating the beast, this individual remained perched against the Guardian Stone.

    "Don''t worry about me. Just do what you''re going to do. It isn''t time for me to act," Mattias replied, waving his hand with a partly opened eye. His lack of interest shocked Priscilla seeing as he was one of the three elites in the team.

    In her eyes, his attitude simply wasn''t befitting of his ability.

    Nevertheless, she could only blink, swallowing the words which were stuck in her throat.

    "Don''t mind him. That weird fellow is actually telling the truth. It isn''t time for him to act yet. 20 foes; that''s not enough to rouse his appetite," Cezar admitted, stealing glances at the bow on his back.

    ''I wonder how much his skill with it has developed. It''s odd that someone with absolutely terrible eyesight chose to pick the bow of all things,'' Cezar internalized, dropping the subject moments later. The longer Matthias stayed idle, the quicker he could rack up his own points, after all, they were extremely important.

    A few moments later, Lucian returned to the vicinity of the Guardian Stone but also kept his distance from the others. He could tell from the vibe surrounding them that it wasn''t in his best interest to interfere or interrupt their conversation.

    Instead, he took a seat next to one of the small trees still nearby and opened the pouch containing twenty small vials. Half possessed a red liquid similar to blood but too thin and light-colored to be actual blood, whereas the other vials possessed a deep blue mixture.

    Naturally, these were the vials from within the Lesser Recovery Package, aptly named Lesser Health Elixir and Lesser Mana Elixir, respectively. Although their effects were heavily diluted, they sufficed to deal with any unforeseen circumstance that could arise during the remainder of the tutorial.

    As Lucian inspected the vials, the snapping of a twig was heard next to him, attracting his attention.

    "Are you thinking about taking one of those already? The complimentary supply is limited, so ask yourself, do you REALLY need that?" Cezar questioned, flicking a stone at Lucian.

    It hit him square on the forehead, causing him to drop the vial back into the pouch. While the strike wasn''t hard, it still somehow managed to make Lucian''s forehead sore.

    "Mm, you''re kind of boring. I expected more of a reaction," Cezar muttered. Frankly speaking, he expected an exaggerated response from Lucian seeing as how a mere boar had turned him on his back.

    "Not boring, just busy," Lucian answered, properly fixing the contents of his pouch.

    "Busy, you say? Tell me, what do you know about Guardians? Everything that I''ve revealed thus far seems to come as a shock to you," Cezar asked, slightly raising his eyebrows. Although he found Lucian to be somewhat weird, the naivete was amusing to Cezar.

    "Not much, I just know they''re stronger than regular Awakened in connection with what the Overseer disclosed to us," Lucian answered truthfully, a composed expression lingering from start to finish, despite the red mark on his forehead.

    "Mm, well. With that amount of information, you''re bound to lose out. I suggest you heavily rely upon your abi-..."

    Before he could finish, a shadow overtook him. Looking up, he saw Elaine''s stern expression bearing down on him, "Why is that you always make your way over here? I told you to leave it alone. I think you want to deal with me, don''t you?"

    A ball of flames gathered in the palms of Elaine''s open hand, flickering with a gorgeous orangish-red hue. Despite the beauty of the flame, it threatened to coalesce into a fireball.

    Cezar didn''t answer immediately. First, he looked towards Lucian, then back to Elaine began snapping his fingers in realization, "Ah-ha! So that''s why you did that. Very well, I''ll shut my mouth. Go on and put out your candle."

    A gust of wind passed by Elaine, revealing the disappearance of Cezar. From their earlier fight, Lucian had already learned of his swift movements. But, the flames Elaine showed now were more menacing than the ones used to kill their earlier beasts.

    "Does my existence annoy you?" Lucian asked all of a sudden, causing Elaine to finally look at him.

    However, she analyzed him first, before shaking her head, "It doesn''t."

    "Then why do you stop him from talking to me?" Lucian continued to question. If there was no issue amongst them, then to him, it was uncalled for to act this way.

    "That''s due to my own reasons. If you wish to become a Guardian, learn how to handle yourself. The title of a Guardian isn''t as sweet as you little Awakeneds believe it to be," Elaine said. With that, she turned away, her lithe figure growing distant.

    ''Your own reasons? Not as sweet? Is there something linked to the Guardians that the public isn''t aware of?'' Lucian thought, even more questions surfacing in his mind.

    Since he wouldn''t receive answers just yet, he pushed this matter to the back of his mind. He let his body naturally recover while waiting for the next wave of enemies. However, for some reason, Lucian felt it was taking unusually long.

    A thought that soon spread to the others.

 Chapter 15 - A Guardians Tutorial (III)

    ----

    "Isn''t this taking a little too long? I wasn''t under the impression that it would take so long for the next wave to arrive. This is kind of putting me on edge. This ongoing eeriness accompanied by the unknown, I HATE IT!" Cezar exclaimed, releasing a snarl of anger afterward.

    The respite following the initial wave exceeded their expectations. It took no longer than 5 minutes to deal with the 20 beasts comprising the first wave. Meanwhile, over an hour had elapsed already without the faintest sign of incoming beasts.

    "Should we take this as an issue or just remain calm?" Priscilla questioned, looking to the others for input.

    "No, don''t worry about it. Facing the beasts is inevitable, whether it is later than we expected, it makes no difference. However, the delay should be related to the number of people partaking in this tutorial," Elaine answered, shifting her attention to different spaces in the forest.

    Although a great distance separated them, she could still sense their general positions with her perception. Some teams were still engaged in battle, while others were in the same situation as they were¡ªwaiting for the arrival of more points.

    "Eagh, this is annoying. Staying still too long is not good for my nerves. I need to do something. Damn beasts, SHOW YOURSELVES!" Cezar grumbled, releasing another bestial roar. This time, the roar bounced off the colossal tree trunks indefinitely.

    "Damn, shut up! You make too much noise," Elliot yelled, covering his ears to deal with the reverberations of the roar.

    On the other hand, Matthias opened his eyes and snapped his finger, canceling the roar with a strange ripple, almost identical to a soundwave. Amongst them, only Matthias'' abilities were shrouded in mystery as he had yet to act.

    After he canceled the sound, Lucian observed something that the others seemed to overlook while interacting amongst themselves.

    ''Is it me or is the ground growing softer?'' Lucian thought. Unlike the rest who sat on the edge of the Guardian''s Stone support, Lucian sat directly on the ground, feeling the rough terrain under his palms.

    With time, Lucian''s impression grew stronger. Unlike before, when he pressed his hands into the ground, it left an indent, indicating the integrity of the ground was plummeting as was the hardness.

    "Uhhh, guys, something is wrong," Lucian called out in a worried tone. At the same time, he jumped to his feet inspecting the tree roots thoroughly. Underneath, albeit faint, he was sure he could see movement.

    "U-underground! They''re underground!" Lucian exclaimed. Even though he didn''t share a relationship with anyone present, the completion of the tutorial took precedence. If the Guardian Stone was destroyed, then remaining weak would be the least of his worries.

    "Underground?!" Cezar gawked, placing his hand on the ground as his eyes shimmered with a piercing silver light. With his attention focused on burrowing deep into the ground, he soon found the culprits.

    "Sneaky. Sneaky ass vermin!" Cezar barked. Unlike before, he didn''t reach for his short sword. Instead, he balled up his fist. If one looked closely, they''d realized a silvery-blue aura materializing around his hand in a form resembling a large fang.

    In the next moment, a string of explosive noises could be heard as Cezar''s fist bombarded the ground, causing tremors in a 10-meter radius. After the tenth impact, the foes were uprooted, numerous holes opening on the surface to reveal badgers with soot-colored fur.

    "I knew it, damn Phantom Badgers! They possess an innate stealth ability that makes it hard to look for them without exclusive intent," Cezar said, looking at Elaine with a nod. "It''s up to you."

    Silently, Elaine nodded, taking calm steps to one of the holes. One of the shortcomings of this type of badger was its herd mentality. In other words, they tended to stay near one another, oftentimes creating an interwoven network of tunnels underneath any surface.

    With the right ability, this could be easily taken advantage of.

    Elaine stood before the hole and overlapped her hands, a few crackles of intense flames flickering. As quickly as they appeared, they disappeared, but this wasn''t what Elaine was aiming for.

    Suddenly, an orb of flames emerged before her palm. Originally, it was the size of a golf ball, but it soon grew to a size rivaling a basketball. Only then did she make her next move, retracting one hand before pressing it against the back of her palm once again.

    A beam of sweltering flames projected into the hole, the aftershock causing her long scarlet hair to flutter.

    "Hoh? Her flame output has increased! As expected of the Lord of Flame''s daughter, her flame control ability never ceases to amaze," Matthias chuckled to himself, gazing upon Elaine with a peculiar gaze. ''Have they given her one of those items? It seems her capacity has become monstrous for our level.''

    As she upheld the stream of sweltering flames, there wasn''t the slightest fluctuation in her output, indicating Elaine''s considerable Mana Quotient.

    Moments after her actions, countless angered shrieks sounded from the holes as some singed badgers jetted out of the holes. Their first sight upon exit was Elaine feeding copious amounts of flames into the fruits of their labor.

    Fury filled their eyes, intending to attack, but Cezar appeared to intercept their actions, "Aht aht, you''re mine! Don''t even think about going anywhere. She has already snagged enough of you."

    Cezar made his move, spreading the same wild aura coating his left fist, to his right. In this state, his attacks were more lethal. A large hole was left in the torso of every Phantom Badger that received one of his attacks.

    Similar to the boars, they were mere E Rank monsters. The only feature that made them tricky was their stealth ability. However, once that was dealt with, there wasn''t much needed to overwhelm them.

    Be that as it may, there was one other thing in particular that one needed to remain wary of.

    "Do NOT take a blow from their claws. Those things are strong enough to shred the earth," Cezar exclaimed when he saw Elliot dashing forward to intercept some of them dashing towards Elaine.

    Fortunately, Cezar''s warning came in a timely manner, dousing Elliot''s intentions to defend. Of course, Elaine wasn''t left defenseless. The five badgers who scurried towards her were stopped in their tracks.

    To the untrained eye, it might seem as if magic took place but that wasn''t the case.

    It was the work of the only individual outside of the fight. Matthias relaxed his extended finger, returning his attention back towards Lucian, ''He discovered Phantom Badgers? He might have some use after all. Should I speak for him?''

    To locate the disturbances caused by Phantom Badgers required acute senses, leading Matthias to wonder whether or not Lucian''s discovery was a mere coincidence or not. Therefore, before he acted, he needed confirmation. For starters, he observed Lucian''s actions.

    The fur of the badgers was harder than the boars, but Lucian came out lucky. Due to Elaine''s actions, most of the badgers who revealed themselves were half-scorched. Not only was their defense compromised, but their health was greatly damaged.

    Be that as it may, before making a move, Lucian had an odd premonition, ''I wouldn''t be scolded if I killed a few...would I? Cezar''s words should''ve held more than one meaning.''

    Although these thoughts crossed his mind, so did the sickly image of Daphne and Silas along with the exhausted state of Cyrus. The images reinforced his decision, ''I''ll just have to face whatever repercussions that accompany my actions! I''m doing this for them.''

    There was no more hesitation, Lucian dashed forward, striking one of the badger''s claws away. After doing so, an opening appeared, allowing Lucian to take advantage of it.

    Without another thought, he plunged his dagger into the back of the Phantom Badger repeatedly until finally, an alert appeared.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Phantom Badger (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

 Chapter 16 - A Guardians Tutorial (IV)

    ----

    "?!" Lucian''s eyes widened in shock, absorbing the information in the notification. The reason for his shock was the value attached to his kill. It didn''t align with the value Cezar received and it startled him.

    For now, Lucian wasn''t privy to the presence of rank bonuses as well as detriments. Thus, he was under the impression that 0.3 points was the baseline for the rewarded points.

    Fortunately, Lucian''s mind worked quickly, making it much easier to piece together the lapses in the information he possessed. ''The only difference between me and the others is our current Fractal Rating. At the very least, I''m willing to bet their abilities are on par with one another.''

    In other words, Lucian felt Matthias, Elaine, and Cezar''s current rating should be more or less the same.

    Meanwhile, he didn''t pay much attention to the others. Although strong, they didn''t necessarily catch his eye.

    Shortly after, Lucian moved his focus to the other damaged Phantom Badgers nearby. Since the others were occupied with their own set of enemies, Lucian made his move, sprinting towards the nearest badger.

    Without another thought, he stabbed the dagger towards the badger''s torso, but unlike his previous target, this one wasn''t damaged to the same extent. The badger snarled before reacting to Lucian''s movements.

    It jumped up, making another hiss-like noise before clawing at Lucian. Immediately, Lucian recalled the warning issued earlier, especially so in his case. Compared to the rest, his defenses were less effective.

    `Even the most minor attack could escalate to a fatal wound if he wasn''t careful.

    Furthermore, Lucian wasn''t sure if there was a Restorer amongst them, since none of them suffered any damage from the badgers. Yet, as he thought about it, this impression didn''t make sense.

    ''What type of elite team would proceed without a healer? Then again, the more important question is whether or not they would be willing to use it on me.''

    Since healing used the Guardian''s vessel as a medium, the cost of this type of ability was heftier than an offensive ability of the same level. Depending on the extent of the injury, the consumption of Mana varied. Moreover, the strength of the wounded vessel also affected the expenditure as well, presenting unforeseen limitations.

    Nevertheless, Lucian couldn''t waste any more time thinking about this; too much was on the line to risk it now over worries. Because of his limited ability, it was possible this may be the only situation he could take advantage of.

    Lucian leaned to the side, dodging the badger''s claw by the skin of his teeth. It was way too close for comfort. Additionally, his shortage of battle awareness made it hard to counteract in his current position, missing the prime opportunity.

    Matthias witnessed everything unfold quietly, producing some opinions on the matter. Though, he kept them to himself for now.

    On the other hand, Lucian pressed on, landing a sudden strike on one of the badger''s limbs after finding an abrupt opening. It was a lucky shot, lacerating a few of the tendons in the badger''s limb. With one of its limbs disabled, its movements were hindered, lightening the difficulty for Lucian.

    Soon enough, the Phantom Badger fell granting Lucian another addition of points.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Phantom Badger (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

    In total, Lucian now possessed an entire point. Suddenly, the urge to use it ran through Lucian''s mind.

    Impatiently, he called up the display menu and pondered which attribute would be the most effective to boost.

    ----

    Name: Lucas Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmenter

    Fractal Rating: F (F+)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 15/15 (.5 MQ per min.)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F

    ?Endurance: F

    ?Dexterity: F

    ?Vitality: F

    ?Perception: F

    ?Spirit: F-

    ?Wisdom: F-

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 1

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    After a few seconds of comparing the potential benefits of each boost, Lucian''s attention fell on two categories; Dexterity and Agility. Based on what he derived from the information Overseer Vohr disclosed, Agility worked side by side with Strength, ultimately increasing a Guardian''s speed. However, Dexterity was the measurement of how well this force output could be manipulated along with the precise motor functions of the body.

    Hence, Lucian found these two to be the most beneficial in his current situation. Besides this, he also entertained the idea of increasing his strength, but the resulting messages left a tremendous impression on him.

    ?Alert: Insufficient Enhancement Points. [F+ ¡ú E- requires 1.5 Enhancements Points.]?

    ?WARNING: Fractal Rating doesn''t allow vessel improvement beyond F+. Request invalid.?

    Suddenly, the light beside the Strength attribute dulled. This symbolized the incapability of advancement. In other words, unless an Advancement was achieved, then the rank awarded by the Fractal Pillar was their current soft cap.

    Lucian pounded the ground with indignation but ultimately, he settled for raising his dexterity. As long as he could wield a weapon more efficiently despite his lack of training, it should alleviate the pressure felt during combat.

    ?Alert: Dexterity: F ¡ú F+. [1 Enhancement Point consumed.]?

    A small surge of pleasant energy, birthing a euphoric feeling flowed towards Lucian''s fingertip before subsiding. The effects of a status boost were immediate, wasting no time in arriving.

    Meanwhile, despite his small increase, Lucian sought an outlet to vent his frustrations, zeroing in on another wounded Phantom Badger. By now, their numbers had dwindled to nearly nothing. At most, they numbered 15 more. This would only suffice in giving Lucian 1 to 2 more kills at max.

    After making this estimation, Lucian accepted it. He expelled any greedy thoughts and focused on claiming what was feasible.

    Not to mention, the chances of him being reprimanded increased dramatically if he overstepped his boundaries. It could even escalate to physical confrontation! In his current situation, Lucian didn''t look forward to any confrontation amongst the team.

    Regardless, he still needed Enhancements Points of his own. If he was to find a method of surpassing the shackles of the F+ threshold, then at the very least, he needed to elevate all attributes to the F+ standard.

    With his target chosen, Lucian dashed towards the badger, gripping the dagger in his hand tightly. Although he faltered at times in delivering the killing blow, the act weighing heavy on his mind, Lucian deluded himself by viewing these foes as summonings of the Monoliths and not real creatures.

    As quickly as possible, Lucian used lethal force to puncture the badger''s hide, earning yet another portion of points.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Phantom Badger (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

    After killing the badger, Lucian noticed there were only 3 more remaining; one of which laid right beside him. But, there was an issue, Cezar was eyeing the badger as prey, a vicious glint shining in his eyes.

    ''Do I kill it?'' Lucian hesitated. Cezar was one of the most unorthodox people on the team. His reactions were too abnormal, either extreme or too playful in nature. In short, he was a whimsical individual, teetering on the edge of being bipolar.

    Cezar looked towards him, sensing that hesitation, "Oh, do you want it? I can see that you do, but that hesitation is unsightly. What would you do in grave danger? Or, on a hunter for that matter?" For a moment, Cezar paused, revealing a playful smile afterward, "I think you''ll just be eaten alive."

    ''He thinks everything is a joke,'' Lucian thought with a frown. For him, this wasn''t a laughing matter; this was a matter of survival! Not just for him, but his siblings as well. Therefore, Lucian relinquished the apprehension he held and rushed towards the badger.

    Surprisingly, Cezar didn''t make a move, merely watching Lucian. ''Heh, kid''s got some balls after all. I can tell by that look, this isn''t an opportunity for him, it''s a necessity,''

    ?Alert: You have killed a Phantom Badger (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

    Obtaining another complete point, Lucian immediately used it on his Agility, enhancing the speed his body was capable of handling.

    ?Alert: Agility: F ¡ú F+. [1 Enhancement Point consumed.]?

    Meanwhile, now that all of the badgers were dealt with, resolving the second wave''s objective, another individual approached Lucian. However, from their expression, it was clear they weren''t very enthused.

    "I''m not in this," Cezar raised his hand, pleading innocence before walking away from the ensuing headache. Contrary to what one would believe, the one to approach Lucian wasn''t Elaine, but they still were capable of producing a headache for Cezar.

 Chapter 17 - A Guardians Tutorial (V)

    ----

    "Hey! Just what do you think you''re doing?" A nagging voice sounded behind Lucian, causing him to turn around. Instantly, the visage of a girl with curly, light-violet hair and a tight-fitted battle suit, encasing her apparent curves entered his eyes.

    Naturally, this was Priscilla; one of the mouthy additions to the team. However, she also played a vital role. In comparison to Matthias, Elaine, and Cezar, she was no less important. After all, out of the 8 individuals on the team, she played the role of a healer.

    But, up till now, there hadn''t been a threat strong enough to warrant the use of her ability. Each member of them team held their own effortlessly, eradicating the badgers in mere moments. Unless they were bored, these enemies didn''t even require the utilization of their abilities.

    Meanwhile, in Lucian''s case, he didn''t invoke his ability simply because he didn''t know how to do so. Despite the Overseer imparting the general knowledge during his concise briefing, it was difficult to release it.

    Since he had gone his entire life without emitting mana, it was a foreign feeling for him. Due to its unfamiliarity, it would require further examination of mana invocation and the release process to exercise his ability.

    Regrettably, the current environment never permitted him to test out his theories. Either he was on edge for the upcoming battle or preparing to recover from a previous one, taking up the majority of his concentration. Of course, if his vitality and perception were stronger this situation wouldn''t be such a dilemma.

    "W-what?" Lucian replied, noticing Priscilla moving closer and closer; too close for comfort in fact! From what he saw, it seemed like she was determined to chastise him, walking forth with attitude present in each forceful step.

    "What do you mean what? I asked you a question. Are you stupid now? Is there something wrong with you?" Priscilla bickered, causing a wry smile to creep upon Lucian''s face. He now understood why Cezar forfeited before the match had even begun.

    "I''m not stupid, and nothing is wrong with me. You approached me without voicing the issue," Lucian responded, shaking his head while maintaining eye contact with Priscilla.

    For a moment, she was taken aback. Truth be told, she didn''t expect him to keep his composure or respond back with an unmoving expression. Typically, someone of Lucian''s ranking would be timid, accepting whatever treatment they received to avoid worsening it.

    However, Lucian, whom of which didn''t possess a proper background knowledge on the behavior of an Awakened or Guardian responded normally. Although normal seemed fine, to Priscilla, who possessed some ability along with a twisted ego, it was unacceptable.

    "Eh?! What is this? You have balls, huh?" Priscilla sneered, stepping to Lucian. Her finger constantly poking his chest, which caused him to step back. In his eyes, he didn''t say anything to provoke her, she was just crazy akin to a rabid dog barking incessantly.

    Meanwhile, in the background, Cezar''s remark could be heard, "Yup, he does! I can attest to that. He''s not your average F Rank, kid''s got some NUTS on him, I tell ya!"

    ''Oh god, shut up already...you''re not helping!'' Lucian inwardly groaned but the damage was already done from Cezar''s statement.

    Priscilla snapped her neck towards Cezar, sparing a dangerous glare, "Did I ask for your input? If you somehow get hurt, I''ll let the wound fester."

    "Whaaaaaat? What''d I do? Oh, come on. It''s not that serious. I wish your sister was here, she''s much more manageable," Cezar grumbled. His last sentence was to himself, else he would have only provoked the tigress even more.

    "So, mind telling me what''s wrong?" Lucian questioned, interrupting their small argument. At the same time, he could be seen wincing as her finger bore deeper into his chest with each poke. Furthermore, they strengthened when Priscilla''s attention was placed elsewhere.

    "You''re what''s wrong. Just where do you get off stealing Elaine''s kills like that? You saw she was the first to damage it. Thus, she marked it as her kill," Priscilla answered in a snap, her displeasure flaring from Lucian''s seemingly oblivious response.

    It was short, but Lucian displayed a look of annoyance, frowning faintly before changing his expression. "I understand she did that, but you all were preoccupied so I thou-"

    "You thought?! It''ll do you good not to think," Priscilla interjected, scoffing at Lucian''s answer. The way she viewed Lucian resembled that of a human looking at a revolting bug or an unsettling eyesore; she couldn''t help but want to squash it.

    "I understand my actions may beget some resentment, but I just acted out of instinct. If it bothered you, I am sorry for your inconvenience and urge you to get that checked out, but I can''t survive if I don''t claim any points for myself," Lucian retorted, looking at Priscilla with a resolute gaze.

    Priscilla was momentarily stunned by Lucian''s apology accompanied by a snide quip. She couldn''t fathom the gall of this guy! Be that as it may, she still wanted to refute his words, opening her mouth to unleash another storm of hateful words.

    Fortunately, Elaine didn''t allow that to happen. "Priscilla, that''s enough; just drop it. They''re just E Rank monsters, the gains would''ve been minimal regardless. Although each kill is worth something, he''s right. We can''t have him remaining such a disastrous link forever. He has to get stronger somehow."

    "But-

    "I said drop it," Elaine commanded, shooting Priscilla a domineering gaze. Her frosty gaze capable of freezing a lake many times over sent a chill down Priscilla''s back. Reflexively, she stopped complaining.

    On the other hand, Lucian felt gratitude towards Elaine, slightly altering his view of her. "Thank you, I appreciate your help."

    Elaine skimmed over his presence, barely responding. "Mm."

    Afterward, she turned around and retreated to the Guardian Stone''s perimeter, falling silent as she browsed through her status screen privately. A small frown appeared on her face when she looked from her screen over to Priscilla and Lucian.

    ''Still not enough, maybe after the next wave. I understand just why father urged me to aim for creatures stronger than I am, it''s the fastest way to grow. I need to reach the 5th floor with haste. From there on, the Monolith is littered with worthwhile opponents,'' Elaine thought.

    Meanwhile, Matthias was completely pleased by Lucian''s actions, beckoning for him. "You there, come over here. I want to have a chat with you."

    Lucian turned, noticing Matthias pointing at him. Although he was confused and partly curious, he obliged nonetheless. Based on how Cezar avoided him, Lucian estimated this individual was at the very least on par with Cezar.

    "Take a seat and relax your nerves," Matthias chuckled, patting the ground next to him. While Lucian took a seat, Matthias glanced at the bow strapped against the boy''s back. "What compelled you to take that weapon?"

    "Well, I chose my weapons to deal with any type of opponent. You never know if we''d go against an enemy capable of long-range assaults. At that point, only ranged attacks would be effective," Lucian responded truthfully.

    "I see, that''s sound judgment and good foresight. Preparing for the unknown is a trait of an experienced hunter. However, if you have no experience wielding that weapon, then it''s close to useless. Unless you possess a prodigious talent for it," Matthias responded in the same manner.

    Unlike the rest, there was an absence of lofty or conceited undertones in his words. If a stranger were to witness this scene, it would appear to be a normal conversation amongst two peers.

    All of a sudden, Matthias leaned forward, delivering a hidden message. Even Cezar''s sensitive ears couldn''t hear it.

    "Be careful and remain wary. There are only two types of beings in this space, the hunter and the hunted; never become the latter as hunters are all around you. That is my message to you."

    A moment later, he returned to normal conversation. "Otherwise, I approve of your attitude. It''s not overbearing, but you still stand up for yourself. You even seem to know when to lower your head," Matthias voiced, recalling Lucian''s partial apology.

    "I appreciate your input. Some situations need not be met with hostility. Especially without the power to reinforce those feelings. Unless you want to provoke enmity to shatter your dreams," Lucian answered. A faint brooding smile appeared on his lips as he remembered the fragile state of his siblings.

    Matthias could sense the pain he held but didn''t pry deeper. Instead, he questioned Lucian about another matter that troubled him, "Why have you yet to use your ability? Are you ashamed of it because your rating was revealed to everyone?"

 Chapter 18 - A Guardians Tutorial (VI)

    ----

    "Am I ashamed?" Lucian parroted, delving deep into his true feelings. Deep down he did in fact hold a small resentment for the limits surrounding his abilities, but he also knew that this aversion would never amount to anything. The best he could do was either let it go come to terms with his current ability or repress it and keep the worries from plaguing his mind.

    Finally, after taking the time to compose an answer, he came up with a response, "Not necessarily, it''s mostly because I don''t know how to use it properly."

    "Well, first of all, what is it called?" Matthias questioned, removing a coin from his pocket. Continually, he flipped the coin through his fingers, never once dropping it even after giving Lucian all his attention.

    "It''s called Reinforce," Lucian revealed.

    For a moment, Matthias grew silent, sifting through his knowledge of various abilities. Eventually, he recalled Reinforcement and nodded with a cryptic expression, "Ah, it''s a very versatile ability. Like any other ability, it comes with varying limitations. As for yours, you''ll have to find it yourself. But, for reference, S Rank Reinforcement can create substances harder than diamonds, almost on par with Mithril, a blessed mineral."

    "Really? It''s that useful? Then, I wonder what my limits are," Lucian muttered. Finally, he saw a light at the end of his murky tunnel. If his ability was truly as useful as Matthias implied, then perhaps his saving grace was now unveiled.

    "It''s possible, but first, you need to learn how to invoke it. For your type of ability, it depends on the quality of your focus. You need to sense the source of your ability. In your case, it should be rather apparent. Reinforcement is one of the easiest abilities to invoke, but it''s also quite difficult to finely control," Matthias answered.

    For a moment, Lucian was stumped, unable to come to a valid conclusion. The outcome of trying to focus was him sensing the presence of tiny specks. He didn''t know the name of them, but it seemed odd and astonishingly hard to call Mana.

    He then revealed this information to Matthias with a quizzical expression. As he wasn''t familiar with it, it all felt like one big blur to him.

    "You''re just looking at the state of Mana in your body. To use it, you need to expel it from the position of your ability''s focal point. The fainter the thickness of those ''specks'', the lower your Mana Quotient. Simply put, the state of your Mana is a reflection of your ranking. After all, every ability requires Mana as the catalyst."

    "Ah, okay. I think I''ve got it," Lucian nodded, closing his eyes soon after. He paid attention to the trace amounts of Mana before attempting to expel a fraction of it. Since a majority of the mana gathered at his hands, he figured this was the area of concentration and expulsion.

    It made sense seeing as this ability required contact with the intended target. Soon, a faint aura containing a mixture of colors surrounded his palms, exciting Lucian. The blend then resulted in a near-colorless mist around his hands, "I did it! I think this is my ability."

    "Indeed, now try testing it out. Here," Matthias flicked the coin he played with towards Lucian. It was a simple coin, part of the olden currency that he kept as a means to bide his time when bored.

    As Lucian caught it, the aura surrounding his palms permeated the coin, inducing a small feeling of vacancy in his body. Needless to say, this was just the aftereffects of consuming Mana for the first time.

    On the other hand, there was a visible difference in the texture of the coin. This surprised Matthias as he kept all of his coins in an adequately polished state. There was a difference between standard polishing and the change the coin just went through.

    "Interesting," Matthias uttered, inspecting the coin between his fingers. Lucian didn''t even see or feel him take the coin. The next thing he saw was Matthias flicking it with barely any exertion.

    The coin whizzed through the air which soon landed on a nearby tree, penetrating the bark with ease. However, half of its surface was still apparent.

    "Not bad, this should be somewhere along the lines of Tier 1 Reinforcement. I threw that with strength rivaling a maxed F Rank. Your ability should be nearing the E Rank threshold. If you learn to control the output, you should fare pretty well."

    Upon hearing this, Lucian clenched his fist with newfound vigor. Although it was just mere words and hypothetical assumptions, Matthias'' reassurance served as a good assistance to dissipate some of the uselessness he felt.

    "Welp, don''t be so happy, it seems our enemies this time will be rather tricky for you all," Matthias chuckled, looking into the distance.

    From the start till now, approximately two hours had elapsed, give or take. Yet, the third wave was only now approaching. This meant on average, each wave possessed a respite window of 30 minutes. Of course, that was after including the time spent in battle.

    The trees above started to rustle with growing intensity, the branches started to sway from rapid movement as well. Evidently, there was something incoming from up above.

    Just like Matthias, Cezar had already focused his attention above, eyeing it with a piercing gaze. A change in his expression indicated the verification of the incoming threats. "Scarlet Apes, oh yes!"

    Whoosh!

    Cezar dashed forth without remorse. Simultaneously, he revealed another ability, coating his hands in mana so dense it was visible to the naked eyes. It altered quickly, taking on the form of claws as Cezar scaled the tree with ease. "Come here my prey! Come to papa! Give me an abundance of points."

    Meanwhile, Elaine observed some of the trees along with the apes above. After assessing the situation, she formulated an impromptu plan. A small ring of fire appeared before her palm for a fleeting moment before hurtling towards one of the thickest nearby trees.

    Her control was spectacular, stupefying Lucian as he spectated her actions.

    The roots of the tree were set ablaze, weakening the base of the tree quickly but it didn''t spread uncontrollably. Courtesy of Elaine''s manipulation, the flames were kept within a strict circumference, which shifted at Elaine''s whim.

    Within moments, the tree toppled, grounding a few of the Scarlet Apes in the process. Once they fell, their appearance was displayed to everyone. At a glance, they resembled spider monkeys except their fur was scarlet and their eyes were an unusually bright cyan color. On top of that, their frame was a tad larger.

    Nevertheless, under the guide of Elaine, this scene repeated numerous times. Not only did causing the collapse of trees floor a decent portion of the enemies, but the clearing was also enlarged as well. Simultaneously, her actions also created a rough, octagonal shape when the lengths of the trees connected.

    Once the shape was formed, Elaine unleashed a shocking amount of mana. Within seconds, a burning ring formed when the flames of each tree met each other.

    The monkeys squawked angrily as they witnessed the burning of the trees. Similar to the badgers, Elaine effortlessly earned the ire of the monsters, turning them irate.

    Once again, when the beasts rushed towards her, Elliot lifted his shield and intercepted their attacks. Every time their swipes were deflected, angered noises echoed in the forest.

    Luckily, Lucian took this chance to test his ability properly. He retrieved the bow along with a single arrow from his back. This time, only one of his hands emitted the faint light¡ªthe one grasping the arrow.

    Since fine control was out of the equation for the moment, Lucian settled for the next best thing, which was removing additional possibilities of failure. Gradually, Lucian calmed himself, taking aim at one of the apes above.

    Before firing, he followed its movement closely but couldn''t grasp a pattern. Nevertheless, he still accounted for its current speed and released an arrow that blitzed through the air, small gusts of winds trailing the arrow.

    Unfortunately, the ape sensed danger and moved out the way just before it pierced the tree. Despite the failure, Lucian was elated.

    The arrow had completely pierced the tree! When the hardness of the tree was taking into account, this was quite the feat for his level. With his ability altering the durability and sharpness of the arrow, it allowed Lucian to take full advantage of his current strength.

    Again, Lucian nocked an arrow, but this time his heart was calmer, releasing it just seconds after it was nocked. Successively, he released another arrow at the spot he estimated the ape would attempt its dodge.

    And, lo and behold the arrow hit its target. Unexpectedly, when the ape fell to the floor with a thud, Lucian was shocked by the position of the arrow. It could be seen penetrating the monkey''s skull!

    ?Alert: You have killed a Scarlet Ape (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

 Chapter 19 - A Guardians Tutorial (VII)

    ----

    "Heh, well I''ll be damned. This guy actually managed to kill one and while using his ability at that! I oughta congratulate him!" Cezar exclaimed, displaying his shock. Funnily enough, he found enough time to spare some attention for Lucian''s endeavor as he pummeled two of the apes and even tore them apart with his claws, showcasing the lack of difficulty.

    ''Perhaps he isn''t as pitiful as I presumed. Although he isn''t strong enough to single-handedly defeat a D Rank monster, where an even larger power divide appears, his usefulness is honestly surprising,'' Cezar thought.

    After tearing yet another ape to shreds, he jumped down from the branch, stabbing his claw into the tree to slow his descent. Four long scratches extended down the length of the tree until finally, Cezar kicked off it and landed not too far away from the center of the ring.

    Meanwhile, Lucian couldn''t find the time to engage in Cezar''s banter. He was too busy testing the different usages of his reinforcing ability. It was quite the convenient ability as what he lacked in attributes, he made up for it in the nifty use of the reinforcing properties.

    Although he was essentially rough around the edges right now, with time he would gain experience and come across some type of mastery over the ability. Not to mention, battle accrued combat experience quickly as well. There was nothing more rewarding than live combat.

    Still, Lucian didn''t grow complacent over his kill, instead, he calmed himself and took aim at yet another Scarlet Ape zipping through the branches high above.

    ''1...2...3!'' Lucian thought to himself, initiating a countdown in his mind before releasing the nocked bow. It pierced through the air, gaining a faint spiral halfway through its flight. The rotation accentuated its piercing power, giving Lucian quite the surprise.

    Despite the whizzing noise that accompanied it, the Scarlet Ape was incapable of doing it. A small leakage of Mana at his fingertips resulted in an arrow that moved faster than his prior shots, albeit marginally.

    While the arrow wasn''t fast to the point it was bizarre, the Scarlet Ape had already sealed its fate by being between swings. It didn''t possess the intelligence to shift its body and retain balance as that would throw off the distance between the branch and ultimately lead to its death from a massive drop.

    Hence, either way, it was left between a rock and a hard place.

    A second later, the arrow pierced its heart directly and continued going, impaling it against the tree 2 meters away. Once again, another alert appeared before Lucian as he shifted his gaze to a frenzied Ape.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Scarlet Ape (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

    Since this particular ape was close to the recently murdered one, it felt fury like no other; falling into an unbridled rage. It started to beat against the tree trunk causing small splinters to project everywhere. Angered shrieks sounded as it collected these pieces and flung them towards Lucian.

    Immediately, Lucian''s eyes widened with alert. With the velocity the shards were traveling, he would have more than just a few holes in his body if it hit Lucian. He''d end up like a seamstress''s pincushion!

    Reacting quickly, Lucian sidestepped by kicking off his left leg. ''Relax, stay calm. You can do this. You''ve been in worse situations recently,'' Lucian internalized, reassuring himself.

    Reactively, Lucian nocked a bow, but this time one of his eyes was closed, using pinpoint vision to get a precision focus on the active ape. As it continued to fling the shards of hardened wood, Lucian''s breath stilled, only the sounds of his heartbeat thumping in his ear.

    The world around him took upon a change, his view distorting. There was only the ape, growing darkness as his mind filtered out his peripherals along with several slowly moving shards¡ªnothing else.

    With this level of focus, Lucian felt as if he couldn''t miss. Unlike before, a faint shimmer which soon grew into a mild luster appeared at the tip of the arrowhead right before Lucian released it.

    It ripped through the air, annihilating the shards of wood that came in contact with it. Moreover, the arrow seemed to rock back and forth, but ultimately it was still on track¡ªen route to skewer this particular ape.

    Its pupil constricted due to the arrow blitzing towards it. The ape tried to jump and gain distance, but it appeared to be held down by some type of force; its movements wholly restricted. Stuck in place, the ape was inevitably struck by the arrow, but unlike Lucian''s other shots, this one was remarkably strong.

    The arrow contained enough force to produce a puncture hole three times the size of the arrow despite its crude quality.

    Upon witnessing this, Cezar lifted his eyebrow with intrigue, ''This kid''s gotta be some type of sharpshooter, eh? That''s some serious firepower for an F Rank. However¡­''

    Cezar turned towards Lucian and noticed his bated breaths and pale face. His assumptions were correct, Lucian''s previous strike wrecked his mana capacity. ''He probably has less than a quarter of his Mana Quotient remaining after that.''

    As the faint feeling overpowered him, Lucian fell to one knee just managing to support himself as he heaved, ''I...did it.''

    A sense of accomplishment filled Lucian, that was the most Mana he ever transported through his body. The typical usage of his Reinforce ability generally costs between .5 to 1.5 units of Mana. However, that last strike alone consumed 8 units of Mana!

    In other words, the attack was equivalent to all of his previous shots merged into one.

    As of right now, he contained less than 30% of his Mana Quotient, a mere 4.2 units of Mana.

    While he tried to gather himself, Cezar appeared next to Matthias with a curious look upon his face, "Why did you help him?"

    "Mmm? What do you mean?" Matthias responded, turning his face towards Lucian with a nonchalant yet indiscernibly mischievous smirk. "If he''s going to be a Guardian, he should understand how to invoke his ability."

    "Don''t treat me like a fool! You might be able to act under the radar of everyone else but not mine, I am the one with the most superior senses! I felt it; you projected a portion of your Mana onto that ape!" Cezar glared, a tinge of fury rising from within due to Matthias treating him as a fool.

    Finally, Matthias displayed a serious expression, staring at Cezar, "Who are you to question my decision? Keep barking like a dog and I''ll put a leash on you."

    "Y-youuu..!" Cezar''s eyes momentarily glinted a scarlet color as a bloodthirst released from his body for a moment. Despite it being for a fleeting moment, the others sensed it attracting their immediate attention.

    ''Just what are those two doing? From young, they''ve always been at each other''s necks!'' Elaine thought with a frown. Conversely, Priscilla seemed displeased as she glared at Cezar''s back.

    Apparently, this party wasn''t as random as it seemed. Every member was part of a tight-knit circle. Whether it be Elaine, Cezar, Elliot, Priscilla, or Matthias, each of them possessed family within the same organization¡ªa faction within the Guardian Corps.

    As they argued, Lucian assessed his gains and browsed through his stats whilst recalling their general effects.

    Before this confrontation, Lucian took the time to delve deeper into the uses of each attribute. As of right now, his weakest link was his Spirit and Wisdom. These two existed side by side, one determined a Guardian''s Mana''s recovery rate and absorption rate while the other determined the capacity of one''s Mana Quotient.

    Hence, they were two vital attributes that couldn''t be neglected no matter the archetype of your abilities.

    ''I have another complete point as of right now, so it''d be most effective to upgrade my Spirit.

    ?Alert: Spirit: F- ¡ú F. [1 Enhancement Point consumed.]?

    Afterward, Lucian looked at the effects of his new attributes.

    ----

    Name: Lucas Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmentor

    Fractal Rating: F (F+)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 15/15 (.75 MQ per min.)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F+

    ?Endurance: F

    ?Dexterity: F+

    ?Vitality: F

    ?Perception: F

    ?Spirit: F

    ?Wisdom: F-

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 0

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    ''Based on my estimations, I need at least 6 more Enhancement Points. For that, I''ll have to defeat at least 12 more enemies. Let''s just hope the foes remain E rank,'' Lucian thought.

    Suddenly, he felt an odd feeling, causing Lucian to look towards the other members of the party.

 Chapter 20 - A Guardians Tutorial (VIII)

    ----

    ''Conflict amongst their ranks?'' Lucian thought, observing the hostility between Cezar and Matthias. For now, it seemed to be one-sided as only Cezar was found seething with fury. Matthias, on the other hand, merely appeared indifferent and even slightly annoyed.

    However, that soon changed with Matthias rising to feet, standing eye to eye with Cezar. An unrelenting air manifested around him with soon took on the force of his unique aura. As their auras clashed, some of the branches and other foliage damaged from the prior fights experienced utter destruction.

    ''Woah, is that violent wave... Mana? This is on a completely different level! They must be exhibiting the utmost limit of their current vessels,'' Lucian thought incredulously.

    After beholding their auras and abilities, it was brought to Lucian''s attention that although one''s attributes didn''t immediately start at the level of their ability, the purity of their mana did. Hence, when examining a Guardian, their Mana Purity was one undergoing the true assessment. The rest were just secondary.

    After all, Mana was the foundation of everyone''s vessel. Without a sufficiently pure Mana Source, it would be impossible to advance amongst the rankings. Not to mention, a strong ability with fragile Mana was akin to a pristine building with a shoddy infrastructure.

    Although it was fabulous to marvel at, it was an empty shell. Sooner or later, it would lead to an inevitable breakdown. Thus, while a person''s potential was a defining factor, if there was a disconnect between ability and vessel integrity, then it would affect the recruitment decision.

    Only those with a stable connection amongst their ability were highly favored. At the time of recruitment, regardless of the Guardian''s chosen division, they would receive an upgradeable certification. This would allow them to start at their current rating but possess the authority to upgrade their certification without complications.

    All they needed to do was confirm that their vessel had touched upon that level. After all, just having strong Mana wasn''t enough as it was kindred to becoming a glass cannon; extremely powerful, yet overly fragile at the same time. At that point, one''s weaknesses would also cancel out their strengths, eventually affecting their final ranking.

    "Hey, have you two lost your minds? We''re in the middle of completing a task and you''ve found the time to squabble amongst yourselves? Should I get involved?" Elaine barked, an inferno appearing around her. Even her hair was coated in scorching embers.

    Much like Matthias and Cezar, she possessed a fiery temper as well except it was kept under wraps most of the time. Nevertheless, it seemed that birds of a feather truly flocked together. Still, because of her intervening in the situation, both of them directed their attention towards Elaine.

    "Who asked for your input!?"

    "Who asked for your input!?"

    Both Matthias and Cezar simultaneously uttered the same phrase, garnering Lucian''s shock. Even if they tried to deny it, it felt as if they practiced this routine beforehand.

    He wasn''t aware of it before, but now, that he observed more of their interactions, he understood the basis of their relationship. It was obvious their rivalry went far back.

    ''I guess I truly am an outsider in this bunch, through and through,'' Lucian thought. However, as they continued to bicker, Lucian caught wind of 5 Scarlet Apes, frightened stiff by the horrifying mana ripples.

    In this situation, Lucian took advantage of their motionlessness without another thought. One after another, Lucian spared 0.5 units of Mana to reinforce each of his shots. Due to their frozen states, it only took one and infrequently two shots to fell the Scarlet Apes.

    By the end, a wave of alerts appeared before Lucian''s eyes, filling him with ecstasy.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Scarlet Ape (E Rank). [Reward: 0.5 points]?

    Just like that, Lucian had acquired a total of 2.5 points while the other remained embroiled in battle. It went without saying, Lucian focused on increasing his stats rather than involving himself.

    ?Alert: Spirit: F ¡ú F+. [1 Enhancement Point consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Wisdom: F- ¡ú F. [1 Enhancement Point consumed.]?

    Not only did Lucian''s MQ increase by a small margin, but his recovery rate had made a noticeable increase as well!

    ----

    Name: Lucas Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmentor

    Fractal Rating: F (F+)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 19/19 (1 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F+

    ?Endurance: F

    ?Dexterity: F+

    ?Vitality: F

    ?Perception: F

    ?Spirit: F+

    ?Wisdom: F

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 0.5

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    ''A small increase to Wisdom has increased my current Mana Quotient by nearly 25%. I''m guessing during the early, or rather the lower rankings, it''s quite easy to notice your progress. As for the future, well...there are probably only two choices remaining,'' Lucian estimated.

    For now, the only two noticeable paths Lucian could see were one; future advancements requiring a mass of points along with a great massive increase to ability, or still requiring plenty of points yet receiving a lackluster return.

    Yet, based on the apparent disparity in strength present amongst the current ranks he was familiar with, Lucian was willing to bet that the former was the truth of the matter.

    All of a sudden, the bickering ceased and the entire party directed their attention towards Lucian. Elliot was the first to berate him, "Wait a goddamn minute! Did you kill all the remaining apes?! You conniving freak; how dare you take advantage of us like that?"

    "U-uh...what? Would you rather me have let them regain their wits and launch attacks upon the Guardian Stone while you all argued amongst yourselves?" Lucian questioned in return.

    At first, Elliot was stupefied by the gall of Lucian''s reply, however, he soon recovered.

    "W-what did you just say to me?" Elliot snarled, stomping towards Lucian. When he stood in front of him, Elliot snatched his battle suit, ruffling his attire in the process.

    Bang!

    Elliot slammed Lucian against a tree, yet to his surprise, Lucian only stared at him calmly, "I said nothing wrong, I solely kept the objective in mind. Unlike you all who have the luxury of placing your attention elsewhere, I can''t afford a failure."

    The lack of rage present in Lucian''s eyes confused Elliot. ''Does he not feel resentment from being treated like this, being viewed as a bug? Just what''s this kid''s deal?'' Elliot inwardly thought, finally tossing Lucian aside after a few moments.

    "Tch, a buzzkill, that''s what you are. You suck the joy out of everything, get lost!" Elliot snapped with an annoyed click of his tongue before moving back towards the rest.

    Meanwhile, Lucian muttered something to himself.

    ''I have lived my life going unnoticed, tending to my siblings. Do you think I fancy your attention?''

    Only Cezar heard this as his ear perked up, looking towards Lucian with amusement. ''Kid truly has some balls. Just how does someone with so much heart end up in his predicament? Actually, just what are his attributes? I''m curious to know.''

    When the urge gnawed at his mind, Cezar beckoned to Lucian, "Hey, you. Dude, what do your stats look like? I want to see them, come show them to me."

    Instantly, Lucian froze. The sentence he was dreading appeared. If he rejected them, he was sure some bad blood was bound to fester between them, but if he disclosed the tragedy known as his attributes, he would become an even further walking embarrassment.

    After some time, Lucian mustered the courage to reject the request. "Err, I''d rather not entertain that request and save myself the humiliation. No disrespect, but I just can''t bring myself to do that."

    "R-ridiculous! You act as if you have some shocking secret to defend! Just show your atrocious attributes," Elliot shouted, already upset by Lucian''s demeanor.

    "No," Lucian adamantly refused. Based on everyone''s personality, as soon as his attributes were revealed, Elliot, Priscilla, and Cezar were sure to have some remarks about it. Frankly speaking, they were words he just didn''t want to hear. After all, he was already well aware of his limitations.

    "Since he doesn''t wish to reveal them, I will," Matthias voiced, staring directly at Lucian. Astonishment was plastered across Lucian''s face as he heard this, he didn''t believe Matthias was capable of this.

    Nevertheless, before he could continue, Matthias continued, "The weak-minded and fainthearted will never be strong, strength originates from one''s confidence."

    Afterward, he started to disclose Lucian''s exact stats, birthing seeds of despair within Lucian.

 Chapter 21 - A Guardians Tutorial (IX)

    ----

    Matthias raised a finger, drawing symbols in the air. A small change took place as bits of aura congregated into letters, which displayed Lucian''s hidden stats one by one. However, it was only limited to the actual attributes themselves.

    "Strength: F+"

    "Agility¡­ F+"

    "Dexterity F+"

    With each disclosure of his personal stats, Lucian''s expression grew paler. It was already bad enough that he had to deal with occasional derision from the others, if his stats were thoroughly revealed, then it was bound to increase it to new heights.

    The continued mocking of his attributes would become even more of a hindrance to his sanity. Be that as it may, Matthias continued to divulge Lucian''s current stats.

    "Endurance: F"

    "Vitality: F"

    "Perception: F"

    "Spirit: F+"

    "Wisdom: F"

    "In short, he is a true F Rank across the board. To be honest, I''m surprised by the lack of negative stats. That alone should be praiseworthy," Matthias stated evenly, glancing at the others for their reaction.

    A round of silence occurred as everyone stared at Lucian in awe.

    However, it wasn''t the awe originating from an amazing deed, but the opposite. They were amazed that someone failed to possess even one stat surpassing the E Rank. Although the Monolith System revealed that the vessel couldn''t surpass the indicated Fractal Rating, that was only partly correct.

    If the gathered Accumulated Destinies were enough, then the chance to liberate a single stat would appear. However, each successive use caused the required destinies to increase exponentially. This was alongside the preexisting cost of higher stats.

    Hence, while some people possessed a Rank Lock, it was technically filled with clauses and could be bypassed. Still, the prerequisite was becoming a Guardian, as it was a special authority unique to a Guardian.

    Nevertheless, Cezar still remained frozen in shock, although he knew Lucian''s status was more or less underwhelming, he didn''t expect it to be frighteningly so. An attribute in the F Rank meant he was only ~two times stronger than a normal human.

    In response to the gazes, Lucian felt as if his body was submerged into a vat of murky waters. His body felt sluggish and he turned towards Matthias with cold hatred in his eyes.

    Gradually, he could see sneers forming across all of the members save for Elaine and Matthias. Both of them seemed unaffected as if they were already privy to his current abilities, or unbothered by it.

    While Matthias used one of his special abilities, Elaine relied upon an heirloom to glean general power levels in her surroundings. Of course, it was only effective up to a certain level and general in the most complete sense. It was seen as a gauge and not numbers or letters.

    "You have no right! That''s an intrusion of my privacy!" Lucian shouted with clenched fists as he continued to glare at Matthias. Regardless of whatever his reasoning may be, Lucian still felt wronged by his actions. He had already declined, yet his information was forcibly exposed.

    Before this moment, Lucian possessed a favorable opinion of Matthias over the others. After all, he was the only one who reached out to him and offered effective guidance. But now, he felt that it was all his naivete in being too trusting of one''s personality.

    "The people within your circle are all the same," Lucian muttered while trembling with fury he struggled to contain. Afterward, he separated himself from the rest, moving far away. Only after their presences were barely noticeable did Lucian take shelter and scale a small tree.

    Meanwhile, the other''s finally recovered from their tracks.

    "Wow, I mean, just wow. I wasn''t expecting something that...terrible," Elliot said with a dubious expression, unsure how to express himself. Matthias''s voice still rang fresh in his mind, echoing over and over.

    "Matthias, you know that kid is going to hate you, right? You did take advantage of that ability after all," Cezar remarked with a slightly rueful expression. Soon after, his expression became one of glee.

    ''That ability of his has a rather long downtime. I don''t know if the Fractal Pillar patched its shortcomings as it did with most of mine, but at the very least, it isn''t spammable. He''ll have to wait until he can use it again, which means he won''t be able to steal the show for some time,'' Cezar thought.

    "If this much is enough to deter his spirit, then he isn''t worthy of being a Guardian. He''ll face much worse than just this. Not to mention, you act as if you care whether he''s here or not. You all just needed to patch the last spot," Matthias answered with a shrug.

    He then continued, "Besides, there''s a number of people who hate me already. Another addition doesn''t really matter. The way I see it, I''m actually helping him."

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say. Enough with your philosophical bullshit. You sound just like that old man," Cezar groaned, adding a scoff at the end when he recalled his days in the trainee corps.

    "By all means, I''ll tell him you miss him," Matthias said with a faint smile.

    "W-what?! You won''t dare! I''ll claw your ass to death if you even think about doing something as absurd as that!" Cezar snarled, his claws grinding against each other with an appearance of metallic sparks.

    "Ahem, enough of that. Start absorbing Mana to refill yourselves. The interval between the waves is shortening little by little. It won''t be long before the climax of the tutorial is upon us," Elaine voiced, breaking up the back and forth between the two.

    It was only quiet for a little while before rowdy interactions began once again. Each of them possessed vibrant Spirit Attributes, so they absorbed Mana in torrents. Not to mention, the rounds continued to elapse, soon reaching 12 hours.

    During that time, however, Lucian didn''t sulk. He bided his time, absorbing Mana and exhausting it quickly, testing a few properties of his Reinforcing ability. Within his palm were a few of the stones purchased from the FM Shop.

    One thing Lucian noticed about his ability was the fact that the reinforcement wasn''t permanent. For now, he didn''t know why the material reverted to its prior state, but he felt it had something to do with his insufficient MQ.

    Repeatedly, he poured Mana into a stone, examining its properties to observe the time between its peak strength and its reversion. After multiple experiments, he compiled the results into an approximation. ''3 seconds, give or take. It seems to depend on how deep the Mana penetrates its structure and the vibrancy of the Mana.''

    Furthermore, Lucian also managed to tweak his output, increasing his maximum usages to nearly 50 attempts. Although it was the bare minimum as far as mana injection went, it still sufficed nonetheless.

    By the time he finished his endeavors, he had already pushed the earlier matters to the back of his mind. As he saw it, these weren''t people worthy of being called his teammates.

    Additionally, he also accomplished another feat, sniping some of the incoming monsters. In the span of the elapsed 12 hours, he was able to gain a total of 7 additional Enhancement Points. 4 were used to max out the rest of his stats, changing them marginally, while 3.5 points remained.

    ''These surplus of points are just sitting there, completely unable to be used. What''s the purpose of having a balance of points if I can''t utilize them?'' Lucian inwardly thought, frowning at the sight of his status screen.

    ----

    Name: Lucas Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmentor

    Fractal Rating: F (F+)

    Authority: Nil

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 21/21 (1 MQ per min.)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F+

    ?Endurance: F+

    ?Dexterity: F+

    ?Vitality: F+

    ?Perception: F+

    ?Spirit: F+

    ?Wisdom: F+

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 3.5

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    Due to his thinking, Lucian continued to stay in place, inquiring about the intricacies of his ability out of boredom.

    In the meantime, Elaine and the others racked up an ungodly amount of points, however, none of them actively increased their attributes. If they did, it would be foolish. After all, almost all of them were on the cusp of advancing to the next Rank.

    In other words, if they increased their ranks, the number of points they received per kill would dwindle yet again. Since the monsters posed no difficulty, it made zero sense to make a change as of yet.

    In this way, another 8 hours passed, reaching the final stretch of the tutorial; the final 2 hours of the tutorial. Yet, with their experiences from the tutorial, the entire party was on edge near the Guardian Stone.

    ''Hm? What''s this tingling feeling?'' Lucian wondered. He kept feeling a chill down his back until finally, the sensation became tangible. All of the trees trembled in response to the thunderous rumbling approaching in all directions.

    Then, an earth-shattering roar accompanied by a fierce Mana ripple ravished the air, causing a crack in the barrier''s structure.

    This situation hastened Matthias'' reaction, rising to his feet. "The incoming monster is not an E Rank."

 Chapter 22 - A Guardians Tutorial (X)

    ----

    "Not an E Rank? No shit Sherlock; we can all feel that! What do you think it is, a D Rank?" Cezar inquired, fishing for Matthias'' general estimation. Based on the ripple and his sense, he already fabricated some viable if not definite answers.

    "Mm, D Rank? That''s hard to say, its presence feels off. More importantly, that isn''t what we should be worried about. I''m sure you feel it already, there are already more than 300 E Rank beasts swarming this position as we speak. We''ll have to use a proper combat formation this time around," Matthias responded, glancing towards Elaine.

    Unlike before where each member barely needed to deal with 10 enemies, with the sheer number of incoming monsters, it would require each member to handle at least 40 enemies!

    Even if the monsters weren''t strong individually, a large amount would inevitably increase the pressure felt.

    Nevertheless, Elaine gave a meaningful nod as she looked towards the Guardian Stone, "Each one of us will have to safeguard a segment of the octagon. Cezar, go fetch that sulking boy."

    "Agh?! Why me?" Cezar complained, flabbergasted by Elaine''s command. At this very moment, he wanted no more but to engage in combat and acquire more points, yet Elaine was using him as an overqualified errand boy!

    "Stop complaining and just go fetch him. The faster you retrieve him, the faster you ca-

    "No need, he''s coming already," Matthias interjected, his sights never leaving the direction of the ferocious roar.

    A few tens of meters away, some of the foliage was rustled and ultimately split apart, revealing Lucian''s figure. Unlike before, there was no sign of displeasure on his face. He wore a composed almost stale expression as he approached the others.

    "Which part?"

    "Southeastern position," Elaine answered.

    "Mn," Lucian answered with a succinct nod as he silently advanced towards his assigned positions. Soon enough, he guarded his post, his figure hidden by the breadth of the Guardian Stone.

    "What the¡­? That can''t be the same person right? What''s with that approach?" Cezar blinked.

    "It''s simple, he doesn''t think of us as comrades anymore, so this is all just obligation to him now. I''m guessing he doesn''t wish to form any relationships anymore," Matthias replied, grabbing ahold of the seemingly stronger bow strapped to his back.

    Unlike the rest, he spent his tokens differently.

    He only brought 3 items¡ªone of the Inferior Battle Suits fit for agile combat, about 50 Refined Arrows for 25 tokens, and lastly, a Tier 1 Weapon for 65 tokens. Unlike the Inferior version, its durability was much greater, and its mana conducting capabilities were more thorough, increasing the standard of Mana needed to activate it.

    In other words, Matthias was confident in his strength. For now, on the lower floors, he didn''t see the need to purchase inferior survival items. After all, there were certain items available in the Guardian Corps that he could get his hands on with enough merits.

    "His loss," Elliot shrugged, not paying the matter any further attention as he raised his tower shield in preparation for tanking his area.

    "Is it, really?" Matthias chuckled before plucking the bowstring. ''Mm, basically the same weapons we during training back at the trainee division. It''ll suffice.''

    Patiently, he waited until the tide of beasts appeared. Different from before, this particular way contained a mixture of enemies¡ªjackals, badgers, lynxes, foxes, boars, and apes. The diversity gave birth to new difficulties as the enemies all possessed different specialties.

    Furthermore, within the crowd, there were a few noticeably larger beasts in the mix. There were a few bears with obsidian fur as well as yellow eyes and lions with snow-white fur along with azure-tinted claws.

    "Graphite Bears and Glacial Lions?! Oh god, this is going to be annoying," Elliot groaned, a faint amber aura seeping from under his shield, encasing it with a growing rocky surface. With his Stone Resonance ability activated, he drew strength from the ground to fortify his defenses.

    With a step, he created a tidal wave of pressure that neutralized the enemies before him. Afterward, he slammed his shield into the earth, opening a small fissure in the ground that trapped some of the beast''s limbs.

    For now, he settled for crowd control tactics whereas Matthias and Elaine produced pure destruction. While Elaine annihilated her zone with a blanket of flame from what seemed to be a flame amazoness, Matthias aimed an arrow enveloped in overbearing Mana towards the sky.

    After it traveling into the sky at an astonishing speed, Matthias raised his hand and clenched it, "Gravity Break!" The arrow shattered into countless fragments, which rained down and incessantly punctured the unlucky beasts to death! With one move, Matthias'' Enhancement Point counter rose without end.

    Meanwhile, Lucian handled himself quite differently. Using both the slingshot and bow and arrow, he kept the incoming monsters at bay. After his Perception increased to F+, it became easier to aim his projectiles. And, the closer he was, the more frightening his aim became¡ªanything over 75 meters was where his accuracy waned terribly.

    Reinforced pebbles blasted the eyes off some of the beasts, while arrows skewered 2 or 3 beasts at a time. Due to his high expenditure, Lucian frequently ran out of arrows, which forced him to spend 5 tokens to purchase 25 more.

    With the influx of enemies evenly distributed, each member was busy dealing with 30+ incoming enemies.

    Luckily, Lucian''s direction didn''t possess any of the Glacial Lions or Graphite Bears, hence, the reason Elaine put him there. As the weakest link, he wasn''t capable of going toe to toe with those minor D Rank Beast.

    Nevertheless, Lucian kept his mind focused on his actions as he evaded attacks, and received the inevitable ones.

    ''Crap,'' Lucian thought. The continued usage of his ability caused his MQ to deplete quickly. Without another thought, Lucian rummaged through his pouch, retrieving one of the blue vials. As he down the contents, his MQ instantly refilled, but Lucian also felt an abnormal sensation.

    ''It feels as if over half of this vial''s content has been wasted somehow.'' Unbeknownst to Lucian, the elixir he ingested was capable of restoring a person with an MQ of 50 to full capacity. But, this wasn''t something for him to worry about now.

    Continuously, Lucian acquired points, gaining them at a speed nearly on par with the others due to the difference in the points received. For every five enemies they killed, it was equivalent to Lucian killing three.

    All of a sudden, powerful steps were heard. A black panther towering over the rest, possessing terrifying features appeared. One look and Lucian could tell this monster was on a whole other level!

    ?Alert: A Bonus Objective has appeared!?

    ?Kill the Apex Panther?

    Details: Execute the Apex Panther before it can destroy the Guardian Stone. Upon completion, additional rewards will be distributed.

    Rewards-

    -Automatic Maximum Merge Tokens

    -2x Merge Tokens (1,000)

    -Base Destiny Accumulation increased to 1.

    -Bronze Treasure Orb

    *The death of the Apex Panther isn''t required to pass the tutorial.

    The rewards were enticing, but there was a reason for it. Even Cezar, Elaine, and Matthias wore serious expressions. The prefix "Apex" meant that not only was the opponent a beast evolved to their highest state, there was even a chance this beast was C Rank, not to mention its abilities were amongst the top of its type!

    This wouldn''t be an easy fight. Fortunately, the numbers of the beast tide had already dwindled to 1/10 of its original numbers.

    Meanwhile, the trio came to a tacit understanding. If their current strength wasn''t enough, then they''d forget about conserving their strength and simply upgrade their stats. After all, the bonus rewards were more than worth the hassle.

    "Do it," Matthias said suddenly, but his words were directed towards Elaine. After a short pause, she created a large ball of flame and tossed it. Matthias then fired an arrow and executed a combination move¡ªone that augmented their individual destructive ability.

    An entire portion was incinerated in the explosion, lightening the load and clearing a path towards the Apex Panther. Only Lucian, Priscilla, and the two others were still embroiled in battle while the trio and Elliot confronted the beast.

    A few moments later, Lucian finally fell his last beast, breathing heavily, but in triumph, ''A total of 21 points. That is quite the load, perhaps I''ll find a use for them in the future.''

    Suddenly, the aftershock of the battle behind him caught his attention. ''Woah...if I were to get involved with that type of enemy, it''d just be inviting death to my front door.''

    Yet, Lucian still wore a faint smile.

 Chapter 23 - Flawless Victory

    ----

    "Cezar, you''ll lead the assault on the Apex Panther. Elaine, control its movement by limiting the area it can operate under," Matthias instructed. At the same time, he tapped his foot against the ground, retreating atop the Guardian Stone. This gave him a bird''s eye view of the battlefield, spanning 5-meters into the air.

    Simultaneously, Matthias nocked three arrows, aiming them at different positions on the panther''s body. Unlike the prior enemies, this beast was much harder to face due to its rapid movements and agile maneuvering.

    Since it was a cat type monster, it possessed feline traits, extreme flexibility and pristine balance. Hence, without accurate marksmanship, it would be a chore to hit him. Alongside the accuracy, both speed and power were needed to account for the panther''s reflexes. At least, this was true for a "normal" person devoid of abilities.

    Matthias extended his hand, holding it in line with the panther''s body. "Gravity Manipulation - Intensify!"

    Based on his actions, it appeared Matthias'' ability wasn''t as simple as a gravity break. It seemed as if the control of gravity itself was his ability! No wonder the others were always wary of him.

    This type of ability was insane to possess. It also meant Matthias fell under the most unique category¡ªForce Wielders.

    A pocket of intense gravity bore down on the panther''s body, reducing its speed by a severe amount. An angered snarl sounded from the panther''s throat due to the drastic decrease it felt. Seconds later, a collection of Mana gathering in its mouth.

    An undulating wave of Mana then fired towards Matthias, intending to disrupt his actions. Unfortunately for the panther, this was a team effort. Cezar appeared before Matthias with startling agility and shredded the ripple to pieces with relentless claw attacks.

    If one looked closely, they''d realise his eyes were silver and a bluish shade appeared around them, with sharpened canine teeth. While his transformation wasn''t complete, it was clear that the basis of Cezar''s true ability was in fact his beast transformation ability.

    Afterward, Cezar didn''t idle. He rushed forward and tracked the panther''s suppressed speed. Because of Matthias''s actions, Cezar and the Panther were on par with each other.

    Concurrently, he also kept note of the remaining time. There was a reason the trial released the panther so late; it was to test their ability to deal with spontaneous danger in little amounts of time.

    After all, there were often times wherein a Guardian would face unprecedented dangers, even without preparation. It was mandatory for a Guardian to possess the skills to overcome those difficulties.

    Meanwhile, Elaine deluged the area in flames, forming a controlled ring of fire that didn''t spread under the use of her exceptional Mana Control. Although controlling a released ability was taxing on the mind and MQ, it was well within her limits, remaining calm throughout.

    Finally, Elliot and Priscilla finished their beasts off as well as the other members; Ragna and Blair. Compared to the other two, Blair and Ragna were lackluster but still strong nonetheless. Blair''s ability was related to the wind, wielding a wand to create powerful gales.

    On the other hand, Ragna wore 2 cm spiked knuckles, crackles of lightning appearing at each point of contact. The reason the others didn''t pay much mind to them was due to the current close-quarter advantage of their abilities.

    Each of them fared well on their own without the support of the others. Furthermore, since their rank was lower than the others, it was the perfect time to close the gap and increase their future usefulness.

    As this happened, Lucian continued to spectate the way they dealt with a stronger monster. Elliot effortlessly redirected the panther''s strikes and kept it at bay. With his Endurance amplified to D+, accompanied by a shield, it was disquieting to bypass his defenses.

    Not to mention, when he used his ability, it synergized with his already ironclad vessel. While he continued to defend against the enraged panther, Elaine kept the monster contained and continually split pieces of the ringed prison into fireballs and attacked the panther when the gravity holding it down weakened.

    After all, they were human and their reserves were bound to face exhaustion after operating their abilities at their limits for too long.

    A faint green mist enveloped Elliot at times, recovering the accumulated fatigue to his vessel. Unmistakably, this was Priscilla''s healing ability. As an S Rank Ability, it did more than just recover health, even resolving the other hidden injuries acquired in battle.

    Of course, abilities like these came with heavy limitations. Compared to everyone else abilities, Priscilla''s was much more costly. First and foremost, it wasn''t a single activation like most offensive skills, it was a channeling ability. In other words, it required a sustained expenditure of Mana to complete its process.

    And, depending on the strength of the vessel, it determined just how much Mana would be exhausted. Fortunately, they had yet to reach a level where their body became frighteningly resilient akin to a diamond body, amplifying the amount of resources needed to move forward.

    Soon enough, there was just 15 minutes remaining in the tutorial, and due to the momentum of the fight, the Panther still possessed some ability to fight.

    "Damn, what''s wrong with this thing?! It just won''t go down!" Cezar scowled. There were innumerable lacerations on the panther''s fur, yet not a single wound was bleeding. Seconds after it received the wound, the innermost layer was sealed, reducing the amount of strength lost.

    "What do you expect? It''s not called an Apex Beast for no reason. Granted, we brought this upon ourselves, but there haven''t been any issues thus far," Elaine responded. "Now, continue to assault. Or, could you already be tired?"

    "T-tired?! Just who do you think I am?" Cezar scoffed. However, Elaine''s remark wasn''t without reason. Since young, Cezar''s shortcoming was stamina. While he was strong and fast, it was only in short bursts. Once he exhausted himself, his usefulness plummeted dramatically.

    Hence, contrary to what one would expect due to his personality, he had actually been using a few points to raise his Endurance to be on par with his other stats.

    With a disgruntled expression, Cezar sped forth, delivering several more deep lacerations to the panther''s limbs. However, he didn''t stop there. Straightaway, he activated another one of his abilities, an image of a feral beast opening its maw enveloped the panther.

    In his anger, Cezar has exhausted quite a bit of Mana to do so. His MQ has finally dropped under 20%. With his quotient of over 205, that was a shocking expenditure.

    "Heh, always a hothead," Priscilla chuckled with an amused smile.

    All of a sudden, a massive undulation of Mana occurred. As Matthias drew back his bow, he started to gather uncharted amounts of Mana at the tip of the arrowhead. The bow in his hand shimmered with a radiant light as tiny cracks appeared down the side.

    "Tch, show off. Look at you overloading a weapon again," Cezar grumbled while immobilizing the panther, dodging its gale-producing swipes in the process. The disturbance continued to grow concerning as even larger fractures appeared on the bow.

    Right before it shattered completely, Matthias lifted his head, "Everyone, retreat."

    Without a second thought, Elaine opened a space in the flame prison, allowing everyone to retreat quickly.

    Once they were gone, Matthias released the horrifying arrow in his possession. However, if one looked closely after the bright light of Matthias''s arrow flashed, another arrow followed behind.

    Ziinggg!

    As the arrow flew, it created a sonorous ringing peal that pierced everyone''s ears. Additionally, except for its arrowhead, every piece of the hidden arrow disintegrated under the pressure of the undulating mana waves.

    For a moment, there was nothing but disorientation. But, when they regained their senses, a gaping hole was left from the panther''s forehead through its torso. As for the signs of the other arrow, it disappeared after being lodged into the wound.

    In the silence, its body made a loud thud as its lifeless carcass fell to the ground.

    ?Alert: You have killed an Apex Panther (C Rank). [Reward: 14.0 points]?

    Lucian was astonished by the number of points, but he did his best to conceal it. As an F Rank, receiving points from a C Rank monster was akin to a fortuitous encounter! After some time, Lucian dispelled the notification and inspected the objective.

    Behind them, while the Guardian Stone was still in one piece, the barrier surrounding it possessed nothing but fractures. While some of it was acquired from Matthias''s attack, most of it was a result of the panther''s mana-infused roars.

    ?Alert: Objective ?Kill the Apex Panther? has been completed. [Reward will be issued to your Monolith interface upon Tutorial completion].?

    Shockingly, even Lucian received this message, but the others weren''t aware. Since he was registered as an official member of the team, he too was entitled to the rewards.

    However, truth be told, they actually preferred him to not get involved. If there was a chance to lessen the portion during the division, then most of the party was willing to do so.

    Meanwhile, with all of the monsters now dead, and the Guardian Stone in one piece, everyone moved to relax, propping up against the stone.

    Uneventfully, the last few minutes passed, bringing about the alert everyone was awaiting.

    ?Alert: Tutorial ?S&P - UTED? Success! [Now returning you to the Proximal Space.]?

 Chapter 24 - Delta Authority

    ----

    After the notification appeared, everyone''s surroundings began to gradually blur as the process of transportation began. A warping noise filled their ear and soon, Lucian found himself back inside the Proximal Space, standing before an idle Overseer Vohr.

    However, Lucian also noticed something else directly by his side, ''Have they been here for a while? Why do they appear so comfortable?''

    This time, the people warranting his attention weren''t those of his party but rather the 8 Extraordinary Guardians. Unlike the rest, who gradually appeared from what seemed to be digitized portals, these 8 and their teams were shockingly carefree.

    ''I wonder if their strength gave them additional benefits inside the tutorial. Plus, I wonder if all of the teams received the same objectives?'' Lucian wondered while examining their actions.

    But, another thing that felt odd to Lucian was their stagnant aura. Since they entered, it seemed as if their auras experienced no growth. On the other hand, the same couldn''t be said about the other 7 in their parties.

    Each of their strengths seemed to have skyrocketed. From what he observed, Lucian presumed it was the efforts of the extraordinary Guardians that allowed this to be so.

    After all, even though their followers were strong, if they experienced the same events, there was no way they accomplished that with ease. Just the horde of monsters was enough to prove difficult.

    ''This isn''t the actions of kids without insight. They must hail from prominent backgrounds, or at the very least, their sights are set in the future. If I''m not mistaken, they must have funneled all of the enemies to their subordinates while supervising the unraveling of events, allowing them to gather a mass of points.''

    What Lucian didn''t know was that them moving at all would be a waste. While he received .5 points per kill and the others in his party received .3 points, what the extraordinary Guardians received was infinitesimal in comparison.

    A mere 0.05 points; that''s what defeating an E Rank beast gave them. After all, unlike the rest, their attributes started within the range of B to B+. Simply put, E Rank monsters were a waste of their time.

    A Guardian with an Extraordinary Refinement was not to be underestimated. Even an A Rank Awakened wouldn''t necessarily be their opponents. Their strength didn''t just lay in their attributes, but the ridiculous abilities awakened in the refinement process as well!

    ''That''s how you foster your forces, but here I am¡­'' Lucian thought, taking a look around at the party he was forced into. He was an outsider, and there truly wasn''t a presence to look out for him. Alone; that was how he felt.

    Nevertheless, Lucian soon moved his attention elsewhere, focusing on Overseer Vohr who finally opened his eyes.

    "As you can see, the number of you who returned pales in comparison to the number of contenders we sent in. This just means those who aren''t present now failed to protect the Guardian Stone. In other words, they''ve failed the test and their privileges have been revoked, downgrading them to mere Awakeneds once again. Perhaps they''ll receive another chance in the future, but chances are, that is wishful thinking," Overseer Vohr said, panning his view through the remaining individuals.

    "Just over a 60% passing rate; exactly 648 of you. On the higher side of the results. But, the birth of 8 extraordinary figures already sets you apart from the rest. Now, allow me to reveal your rewards," Overseer Vohr continued.

    With a wave of his hand, a list appeared before everyone''s on it.

    ¡¸You have received the following rewards:

    -Guardianship - Invokes the trait ?Guardian''s Right?

    -1,000 Merge Tokens

    -2 Accumulated Destinies

    -Enhancement Voucher (Inferior)

    -Bronze Treasure Orb ¡¹

    The information within their status menu changed, updating to match the given rewards without pause. Quietly, Lucian skimmed through the last two.

    ¡¸Item Name: Enhancement Voucher (Inferior)

    Usage: Allows the user to increase one of their attributes, ignoring the current balance of Enhancement Points.

    Limitations: Allowable up to D-. Ordinary Quality Voucher required for attributes beyond this level. ¡¹

    ¡¸Item Name: Bronze Treasure Orb

    Usage: Contains randomized items. There is a chance to receive between 1 and 3 items.

    Limitation: This orb can only generate up to Tier 2 items from within the FM Shop. ¡¹

    ...

    Outside of the other results, the Bronze Treasure Orb caught Lucian''s eyes the most. In this case, he could receive up to Tier 2 items. Although he wasn''t sure of their exact specs, it was bound to be many times stronger than the inferior items he used.

    Of course, he was curious about other things but he didn''t quell his curiosity at this very moment. Before he could indulge in that, it appeared Overseer Vohr wasn''t done with his announcements.

    "I''m sure most of you are curious about the new trait you''ve all received. Well, in short, take a look at your current status. Do you notice anything different?"

    Murmurs sounded in response to Vohr''s question. Everyone rushed to bring up their status screen, some overlooking one small factor. For those who realized it, they connected the dots easily.

    ----

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Augmenter

    Fractal Rating: F+ (F+)

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 21/21 (1 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: F+

    ?Agility: F+

    ?Endurance: F+

    ?Dexterity: F+

    ?Vitality: F+

    ?Perception: F+

    ?Spirit: F+

    ?Wisdom: F+

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 35.0

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Reinforce [F+ Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    ''Is that what he''s talking about?'' Lucian questioned, immediately noticing one blaring difference.

    "You have all officially joined the Delta Guardian Echelon. I think it''s safe to disclose its orientation as the weakest echelon. This starting condition is partnered with your birthplace being a Minor World. It''ll be quite some time for you all to evolve to the peak of your latent abilities," Overseer Vohr said, pacing back and forth through the Proximal Space.

    The upgraded Delta Authority is what allowed the people present to peer into the Knowledge category of the FM Shop. Without it, they would''ve been barred from gleaning its contents.

    It was sole the reason why despite having 100 tokens, enough to purchase knowledge, they were restricted from doing so.

    Authority meant everything inside the Fractured Monolith because, without it, their options were limited as seen in their initial predicament. Furthermore, obtaining increased authority wasn''t as simple as increasing their Fractal Rating. If so, then even the Elites would have a starting authority beyond Delta.

    It was more so related to their current clearance of the Fractured Monolith. Simply put, authority was acquired by climbing the tower.

    "What''s the highest clearance our planet has achieved so far?" A person questioned while stepping forth, beguiling nearly everyone.

    The inquiry came from an unparalleled beauty with gorgeous snow-white hair shaming the finest silk. Her silver pupils could enrapture any man with a single gaze. But that wasn''t the only thing to warrant fervent stares. Most of all, she possessed a lithe waist accompanied by voluptuous curves that weren''t hidden in the slightest.

    Gasps were heard as she did so, for an alarming reason¡ªshe was one of the 8!

    "Oh, Miss Aurora Callisto, I presume," Overseer Vohr responded, scanning her presence.

    "Mn," She nodded in response.

    "As of right now, the highest granted authority back in your world are those individuals in the Gamma class. For reference, the weakest is Delta, followed by Beta, followed by Alpha, and then Gamma. So, those individuals have reached the Fourth Echelon," Overseer Vohr answered.

    A thoughtful expression appeared on Aurora''s face as she nodded. Following this question, she remained silent. All she wanted was a reference towards the older generation''s strength, thus her curiosities were flawlessly resolved."

    Conversely, quite a few individuals seemed rather restless. Eventually, after trying to hold it in, a blurted question was heard.

    "Overseer Vohr, is it time to leave now that we''ve become official Guardians?!" One of the individuals questioned impatiently. However, his question merely earned him an amused chuckle.

    "Far from it, that was merely a prelude to what you''ll have to accomplish. While you may already be official Guardians, you''ve yet to even take your first step. The first floor of the Monolith awaits you!"

    "T-the first floor? Right now? Already? There''s no intermission, but I''m t-... What?"

    "Heh, have you just noticed? Returning to the Proximal Space has reset your condition. Furthermore, I''d like to disclose that this is the last time you''ll visit here. This space is reserved for candidates only. From now on, you''ll appear within the Echelon Lounge. In the meantime, prepare yourselves."

    "Lucian, regale me for a moment. I''d like to have a word with you."

 Chapter 25 - A Meeting

    ----

    While the other interacted amongst themselves, Lucian distanced himself, following behind Overseer Vohr. 50 steps later, a door materialized before opening with a light sway.

    "After you," Overseer Vohr said with a welcoming gesture.

    Lucian nodded and walked through, beholding yet another room resembling a blank canvas. The only difference was the presence of two luxurious chairs and a table between them with refreshments resting upon the top.

    "Take a seat," Overseer Vohr insisted, taking one himself. Shortly after, Lucian sat as well, but he still wore a curious and even slightly guarded expression.

    "Before I say anything, I would like to commend you on your stellar performance in the tutorial. Despite your teammates'' unfavorable attitudes towards you, you managed to present some intriguing content, especially your genius-level learning capacity," Overseer Vohr praised.

    At the same time, he leaned forward, grasping one of the cups before him. Only after taking a sip did he continue, "I have to say, you have exonerated my doubts of you. Now, I look forward to seeing that mind of yours in play, however, I also sit here to warn you of a few things."

    "Are they bad?" Lucian interjected momentarily, a bitter smile plastered across his face. He was so accustomed to bad news that it was now reflex to parallel any news to unfortunate circumstances.

    "No, not necessarily. I am just letting you know that you have earned my impartial behavior along with my sympathy. Hence, if you ever wish to leave the current team you''re in, I''ll alert you of any openings, fair?" Overseer Vohr proposed.

    At first, Lucian was quiet. Truth be told, this was the best he had been treated in a while. However, he also possessed some suspicions. After all, he had just experienced a bittersweet situation, one that left a deep impression on him.

    After rendering some helpful advice, he had done something as coldhearted as revealing his personal information to everyone. It was then that Lucian had determined to refrain from garnering relationships with people who were capable of stringing him along like a marionette.

    "As of right now, there are no openings in any of the Delta Echelon teams. And, I can''t break the rule and place you within Beta. One, it is outside of my jurisdiction, and two, I''d be the one responsible for sending you to your inevitable death," Overseer Vohr said with a slightly bitter expression. However, it soon vanished as if it was never there to begin with.

    "Okay, I''ll stay with this team for now then," Lucian agreed. "But, is that all you wanted to talk about?"

    "Absolutely not. I also have to say... this was quite hilarious," Overseer Vohr said with a smirk, before pulling up the recording of the last few moments before the Apex Panther''s death.

    Lucian could be seen nocking his bow. But, unlike the rest, he didn''t cover his eyes from the illuminating burst of mana. Instead, there was a red glint present in his eyes, which seemed to protect them. Then, Lucian poured the remnants of his Mana into the arrow before releasing it moments before Matthias did.

    The timing was immaculate! The sound of the released arrow was done in tandem with an undulation of Matthias''s mana, effectively masking Lucian''s actions.

    "I couldn''t miss out," Lucian replied with a faint resentment in his eyes.

    "As you shouldn''t. As long as your actions aren''t discovered, who''s to say they were wrong?" Overseer Vohr responded. This response wasn''t what Lucian expected and he was surprised by it.

    "Wait...are you not angered by the fact I received some of the points that could''ve been used to raise stronger Guardians?" Lucian asked with a dubious expression.

    Overseer Vohr shook his head while taking a sip of his refreshment. Then, he paused before giving Lucian a faint grin.

    "Not at all, as you know, this Monolith is a machine of fate. All of your actions only contribute to your own fate. Failure isn''t blamed on an individual but on their fate."

    "What...just what is the purpose of this Monolith then?" Lucian asked. At the same time, he clenched his fist. It was all due to this Monolith that he had lost his parents.

    "To make you all stronger and prepare you for the Great Merge," Overseer Vohr answered with a conflicted look. Lucian didn''t understand why, but it almost seemed as if he was pitying the human race!

    "I understand, but why...what is the reason behind it?" Lucian asked differently, prying for deeper answers.

    "Unfortunately, that is something that escapes my knowledge. And, for you to know, you''ll need the utmost authority as that touches upon some tightly guarded secrets about the universe."

    Lucian sat back after Overseer Vohr revealed the answer he expected. Although he wanted to know more, it just wasn''t possible. It seemed the Fractured Monolith was even more implicative than he suspected.

    "I see; is that all Overseer Vohr?" Lucian questioned after a moment of silence.

    "No, there''s more. In fact, it''s the true reason I brought you here. My superiors transmitted some feedback about you. Let alone my roster, you weren''t registered in the Monolith''s records at all. While it happens from time to time, it''s never happened to someone of your ranking. Usually, it''s the opposite with the subject''s ranking surpassing the limits of their Minor World."

    "However, that isn''t your case. After refreshing your information, there were no issues. At least, there haven''t been any as of yet. But, remember to stay careful. If there is a glitch in the Monolith''s infrastructure, the first to be targeted are anomalies. I say this to warn you. There have been instances in the past where the Monolith itself moves to eliminate someone with severely abnormal abilities," Overseer Vohr warned, placing the cup down.

    The Fractured Monolith wasn''t only meant to assist a world''s inhabitant with the evolution process, but it was also put in place to eliminate possible threats towards the grand purpose.

    Generally, abnormalities always turned out to be pawns put in place to disrupt the natural order of evolution. However, such people usually held enormous power. Lucian, on the other hand, possessed a power that wasn''t even capable of making it on the radar.

    Thus, Vohr''s higher-ups regarded his earlier report as an insignificance and disregarded it. But, Overseer Vohr, on the other hand, felt as if Lucian was merely in a precarious state.

    ''There''s no way someone who learns so fast has such a lowly marked Perception and Wisdom grading. At times, he seems much more astute than he is given credit for,'' Overseer Vohr thought, gazing at Lucian silently, waiting for his response.

    "I''ll be careful," Lucian answered with a nod, indicating he understood Overseer Vohr''s intentions.

    "Also, I advise you to be careful on the first floor. Each team will experience unique situations. It''ll be chosen based on the presented weaknesses of the team. Thus, you won''t meet the other. Not until the 5th floor, or better known as the doorway into the Beta Echelon."

    "Ah, I understand."

    "If you do, then spend those acquired tokens wisely. Your Guardian''s Right is activated, so you will see the floor differently when compared to how you viewed the tutorial. You''ll understand what I mean upon entering that place," Overseer Vohr informed, before raising his hand.

    "Anything else you would like to consult with me about before we return?"

    "Hmm, there is one. Do you have information about the first-ever summons of this Monolith?" Lucian questioned. As an Overseer, Lucian felt Vohr was bound to be privy to information the first Guardian''s experience. After all, there seemed to be a record of everything.

    "Ah, I''m sorry Lucian, information related to that matter requires Sigma Authority clearance to know. However, once the first Sigma is reached¡­never mind. It doesn''t concern you. Just focus on becoming the best version of yourself," Overseer Vohr advised, snapping his finger immediately after.

    In the blink of an eye, Lucian returned to his earlier position, however, he remained intent on getting to the bottom of Vohr''s words.

    ''Sigma Authority? Why is such a high clearance needed? It''s clear he knows something although he said he didn''t. Just what is so important that it has sealed his lips? Could the powers behind the Fractured Monolith be that strong?'' Lucian wondered, lost in thought while overlooking the gazes currently directed towards him.

 Chapter 26 - First Floor - Lair Of Elemental Knolls

    ----

    "Didn''t that guy just exit from a meeting with the Overseer? I wonder what they talked about? Could it be anything important? I mean, wasn''t he evaluated as someone hopeless," one of Aurora''s followers asked.

    It was an averagely built male with a handsome appearance and a distinctive lightning-shaped scar on his cheek. After seeing Aurora''s gaze rest on them for a moment, he was curious.

    "Mmn, I don''t know. But, that isn''t of any importance right now. You seven will be attempting the First Floor. I expect you to have at least two C+ attributes by the end of it," Aurora replied. Although she was easy on the eyes, everyone in her party was now aware of just how strict she was.

    Unlike most, she didn''t allow any mistakes nor did she tolerate the presence of useless gossip. If the information wasn''t useful in any way, then it need not be mentioned in her proximity.

    After being lightly reprimanded, the male didn''t attempt to ask any more questions. After finding his place on this team, he didn''t wish to jeopardize it. After all, the prospect of belonging to an extraordinary expert''s core team was akin to receiving a seat in a future famed faction!

    Meanwhile, Lucian continued to think about some possibilities, ''Just why are they withholding this information?!'' Continuously, Lucian grumbled to himself.

    Only after some time did he push the matters to the back of his mind once he realized there was no extracting immediate answers. In return, he paid attention to the FM Shop, browsing through the store until he came across Tier 1 items. When he looked at them before, they were too impractical to purchase.

    Just the purchase of one would disable him from acquiring the other items he wished to have. Not to mention, Tier 1 weaponry required a minimum of 20 MQ to operate. Fortunately, neither of these issues were a problem for him now.

    He possessed both 1,015 Merge Tokens as well as 21 MQ, fulfilling both requirements.

    The first thing he did was replace his battle suit with a Tier 1 version, a thorough upgrade of material. Then, he switched the dagger, but surprisingly, the tier 1 version came as a set of two. Lastly, Lucian purchased a Tier 1 Bow with 100 Refined Arrows as well as a restock of basic recovery elixirs.

    ?Alert: Tier 1 Battle Suit (Light), Tier 1 Dagger (2), Tier 1 Bow, Refined Arrows (100), and Lesser Recovery Bundle (2) have been received. [300 Merge Tokens subtracted from your current balance.]?

    In total, he was left with 715 tokens, a sufficient balance. Although he was curious about the collection of knowledge the shop had to offer, he didn''t have time to delve into the specifics. Before he knew it, the surrounding changed, standing before a sizable entrance.

    ?Alert: You are now entering your determined first floor of the Fracture Monolith. [Chosen Destination: Lair of the Elemental Knolls.]?

    "Knolls?" Lucian muttered, taken aback by his lack of information.

    "They''re like goblins, just not quite. You''ll see what I mean," Cezar replied with a shrug.

    Without further ado, Cezar took the lead, entering the cavern''s pathway which earned the presentation of new objectives!

    Despite the fact that Cezar had revealed the basic knowledge related to Knolls, Lucian felt it was insufficient. The only information he was made privy to was their bodily features. As far as their strengths, weaknesses, and perhaps abilities, it was all unaccounted for.

    As of right now, the only thing he was certain of was their superficial characteristics. In short, they were similar to goblins; their frames were on the smaller side, however, they also possessed some strange markings used as differentiation amongst their rankings. Fortunately, a useful piece of information surfaced.

    ''So, the color of the strange markings and their skin gives a hint as to what elements they''d control. However, there is also the possibility of no element at all. Fair enough,'' Lucian nodded thoughtfully.

    As they transverse the outskirts of the cave, their surroundings changed rapidly. Lucian inspected them carefully, taking note of the stony surroundings and the different engravings on the wall.

    This might not mean anything to the others, but Lucian''s senses were tingling. Everything he saw was imprinted on his mind for later reference. Since this was classified as a lair and the Knoll bore some semblance of goblins, then their choice of respite was classified as more of a cavern setting.

    However, the complexity they were looking for was nowhere to be found. At first, this was surprising, seeing as goblins and knolls were lauded for their tendency to research. Hence, the lack of branching paths led to surprised expressions.

    "Hold on," Cezar decreed, raising his hand as his ears twitched. His actions generated the entire team''s silence whilst he narrowed his eyes. Cezar knelt on the ground in the pin-drop atmosphere and planted his hand on the ground.

    In a few moments, Cezar gathered a rudimentary understanding of the cavern''s interior.

    While it wasn''t deep nor intricate, Cezar was able to tell the happenings of up to 75 meters in front of him. As his attributes grew stronger, allowing his abilities to become more prominent, this would change.

    In the meantime, Cezar retracted his hand, looking down the cavern''s only path.

    "For now, this appears to be the only pathway. But, I don''t sense any Knolls in the general area, nor are there any scents of different elements. I can only assume that they''re located deeper within this place," Cezar voiced as he turned back towards Elaine and Matthias.

    Both of them noted, taking his words for truth. In this case, Cezar held the keenest senses and acted as a scout. Not to mention, it wasn''t the best situation to harbor dissension as this was an actual floor on the Monolith. None of them wanted to become an experiment to test the consequences of death here.

    In the meantime, Lucian''s eyes were focused on the objectives they received at the beginning of the excursion.

    ?Tutorial Objective?

    Objective Name: FFC - EAEITP

    Information: As a Guardian, clearing the first floor is but the first step on your extensive journey. However, remember all steps play a vital role in the long run, no matter how small. A step taken is an advancement made and every action is a piece in the larger puzzle.

    Details:

    (Main Task)-

    -Eradicate all of the Knolls. -Incomplete-

    -Enter the boss room by fulfilling the necessary prerequisites. -Incomplete-

    -Collect the Chieftain''s Mark. -Incomplete-

    (Side Task)-

    -Clear the floor without experiencing damage. [Separated into Team and Individual Evaluations.] -Optional-

    Reward(s)-

    - +5% Authority.

    -300 Merge Tokens.

    -5 Enhancement Points

    -0.8 Destiny Accumulations

    *Completion of the side task will add a multiplier to rewards as well as produce a bonus reward.

    **Bonus reward isn''t set in stone. Depending on contribution, the item will be randomized but stunted at a certain item rank.

    "Hmm, these rewards aren''t bad but not as good at the multiplier. I see why the tutorial is seen as a point farm. Nevertheless, as long as we get the mystery multiplier, the rewards will get better. Then again, this is only the first floor. I''ve heard that the higher floors reward rare items. These are just inferior in comparison," Elaine voiced, rubbing her chin in thought.

    Meanwhile, Matthias merely shrugged. "The faster we get this done, the quicker we''ll be able to scale the floors. I''d like to reach the Alpha Echelon soon."

    "Soon?! How soon is soon?" Cezar gawked. What the others didn''t know was that the Alpha Echelon was the 3rd Echelon, and it required a Guardian to clear floor 15.

    However, the stipulations behind floor 15 were enough to induce dread amongst most Guardians.

    "3 years, max. This means you all will have to reach authentic S Rank Guardians by then. That also means, just the Monolith won''t suffice, we''ll have to join the others in the Guardians Corps," Matthias responded, earning unusual looks from Elaine and Cezar.

    On the other hand, Lucian was intrigued by this conversation, "Is there an option to get stronger other than the Monolith?"

    Everyone turned towards Lucian, raising their eyebrows. By now, they should have been inured to Lucian''s lack of information, but this was odd. After all, this was the other way for Guardians to contribute to society!

 Chapter 27 - Hidden Tunnel

    ----

    "If you don''t know about it, then never mind. The information should have revealed itself the moment you gained Guardianship. There must be some type of issue, perhaps an F Rank isn''t enough to help," Priscilla commented with a derisive undertone.

    Meanwhile, Cezar looked at Lucian with a complex expression. Something was amiss and the feeling just kept growing. ''Everything surrounding this guy is just abnormal. Just what happened to this guy?''

    Noticing Cezar''s current expression, Matthias became inquisitive as well. ''Was it truly the best choice to invite him here? In the long run, perhaps our actions may have condemned more people than we expected.''

    Although Lucian frowned, he didn''t voice his displeasure. Unlike before, where Elaine mediated the conflict, it didn''t seem as if anyone was coming to his aid. Hence, Lucian would much rather just distance himself.

    "Never mind," Lucian replied after a while. Rather than continue to feed into the dissension, he invested his time elsewhere. While running his fingers along the wall, Lucian resumed his earlier actions of committing the markings to memory.

    Gradually, Lucian returned to following behind the others as they advanced. But, Lucian noticed something odd during his actions. Despite advancing for nearly half a kilometer, Cezar didn''t indicate the presence of a single Knoll and the same set of images repeated continually.

    In a layout like this, they should have already come in contact with at least a few foes.

    After turning the upcoming corner, they soon found out why it was so silent.

    "Mm, quite a few rooms, but similarly, they don''t have any life signatures inside. Is this crap abandoned?!" Cezar shouted, clutching at his hair.

    "Shouldn''t we just check?" Lucian questioned, nearing one of the rooms. However, both Matthias and Cezar advised against it. They were insistent that the rooms were useless.

    "This kind of sucks that we''ve yet to come in contact with any of the Knolls," Cezar grumbled. "It''s just leading us on a wild goose chase! FUCK! I want to hit something."

    "You''re forgetting a prime aspect of the Knolls and Goblin kind, they tend to group to engage in activities. Without a patrol present on the outskirts, it would seem their activities are quite significant. Advance faster, just keep an eye out for change," Matthias suggested, dashing forward before the others.

    At the same time, he withdrew his bow, traveling with it preemptively nocked. Similarly, the others followed behind him with battle-ready postures, save for one.

    ''No, something''s wrong. I don''t think this area is empty for no reason,'' Lucian thought. While the others advanced, forgetting about his presence, Lucian separated from the group.

    According to the information in his mind, these rooms weren''t as simple as they seemed. While connecting the images, the patterns seem to mirror the orientation of the room. But, the complex inner patterns were still a current mystery to Lucian.

    Once the others disappeared far enough, he entered the room nearest to him. ''There has to be something here, I know it. The cryptic wording of the objective couldn''t have been meaningless!''

    Even if he didn''t acquire any points from the others eliminating all of the Knolls, Lucian wasn''t worried about it. Since they were of little to no use to him at this very moment, he focused on other matters. Thus, thoroughly scrutinizing the room''s interior.

    Unfortunately, the first three rooms Lucian scoured were empty, devoid of any useful information or items linking it to the engravings on the wall. Usually, such dismal findings would deter one from continuing but Lucian was persistent.

    There were a total of 4 cubed-shaped rooms with pristine measurements, ostensibly achieved by the use of some type of tool. Thus, Lucian ventured to the last room.

    "Something has to be here," Lucian mumbled while inspecting the room. Suddenly, a piece of aged paper caught his attention.

    An ancient piece of papyrus containing indecipherable symbols, probably of an unknown language, rested underneath some faint blue light radiating from a marvelous gem. It was similar to sapphire except it produced a luster on its own.

    If Lucian hadn''t paid extra attention to his observations by scanning everything twice over, this would have escaped his inspection since the table blended seamlessly into the wall.

    Besides the etchings was a set of tools crafted from an unknown material. Yet, from what Lucian understood they seemed to be related to crafting.

    At a glance, the room reeked of a crude cavernous appeal, however, there was a presence of tools that betrayed this setting. As he picked one up, Lucian recognized a cerulean liquid flowing through the interior and it felt faintly familiar.

    ''Is this Mana? Liquid...Mana? It can exist in this form? It''s so dense!'' Lucian mused, astonished by the purity of the Mana flowing through the tools'' ridges.

    After inspected them, Lucian wasn''t quite sure of their value. However, it seemed to be a set for forgery of some kind. On another identical table, there was a set for potion-making.

    Once he had seen the items, Lucian could bring himself to leave them there. Who knows, it could end up being quite valuable.

    Hence, Lucian stowed the items, for now, stashing them away in his inventory. Although their use was undetermined for now, it was possible for it to hold some purpose in the future.

    However, that wasn''t the end of his discoveries. When stowing the items in his inventory, Lucian''s hip bumped the table by accident. Typically, such an action wouldn''t warrant suspicion, but then Lucian noticed some discrepancies in the hollow sound emitted by these collisions.

    He bent down, tapping his knuckles along the back of the tapping, searching for any variations in pitch to verify his suspicions. A few taps later, he confirmed the area behind the middle of the table seemed hollow.

    "I was right, there are hidden secrets in this room!" Lucian exclaimed gleefully. Excitement coursed through his body as he struggled to contain his joy.

    Without delay, Lucian strained himself to move the table aside but was dismayed by how heavy it was. Even after exerting all his strength, it barely moved.

    ''This¡­ is going to take a while.''

    Continuous grunts of exertion were heard as Lucian proceeded to stubbornly push the table out of the way. Only after numerous painstaking attempts did his efforts yield results!

    Regrettably, Lucian didn''t quite know how to respond to what he saw¡ªa narrow tunnel of darkness.

    ''Do I enter? My instincts are telling me to do so, but. No, no buts. Doubting myself won''t change my current predicament. What else do I have to lose, except my life? Damn it, this is kind of hard!'' Lucian thought with a troubled expression.

    "You know what, it''s not like my presence is impactful to this journey. I need to prove this to myself! Huh, hold on a minute!'' Lucian stopping fretting and closed his eyes to recall the engravings.

    ''T-this might be a map!''

    In the diagram of the engravings, there was a distinct circle labeled on one of the boxes. Based on his experiences, the other boxes symbolized the empty rooms but the more complicated one referred to this room housing the tunnel!

    Lucian then entered the tunnel a few seconds after coming to this realization, welcoming the darkness boasting an unknown length along with possible dangers.

    Once Lucian connected the few signs and ventured down the hidden tunnel, all his apprehension vanished. For some odd reason, he actually felt accomplished. Whereas the others weren''t astute enough to scour this area, he was. And, this action resulted in potential gains.

    Of course, despite the absence of his apprehension, Lucian still proceeded with caution, keeping a hand against the wall to both steady himself and map the route he was taking. Since he didn''t have a source of light, nor did he have the volume of Mana need to manifest the emission light.

    In short, he was advancing without sight.

    Thankfully, his steady steps allowed him to limit the interaction he made with his surroundings. Only his immediate surroundings entered his sights, barely. Not to mention, his Perception attribute allowed him to locate any abnormalities in the area despite his lack of sight.

    Soon enough, the roughness of the wall changed. From the rough, rocky surface, it started to grow smooth, resembling polished marble. This was odd. But, not for long as Lucian began to sense waves of Mana undulating towards him.

    They were unlike any he had ever sensed before!

 Chapter 28 - Mysterious Stone

    ----

    The waves of Mana were rigid, ostensibly damaging the rocks of the cave, but that wasn''t entirely true. On the contrary, the wave was actually smoothening the surface, which created a deep contrast of polished and unrefined rock once a certain distinct threshold was passed.

    However, Lucian also noticed something even more alarming than this, it had something to do with the orientation of the waves.

    ''Perhaps it''s just me being on edge, but it feels as if the wave of Mana isn''t moving further than my current position. Is this related to my presence or something produced by the cave itself?'' Although this question was a conundrum because Lucian only became aware of the wave after moving close enough, it wasn''t baseless speculation.

    Lucian experimented to confirm his curiosities. First, he tested for changes in the Mana''s position by advancing 5 meters closer to undulations, but there was no change. It remained steady, keeping the same rhythm and endpoint. Then, Lucian moved outside of the perimeter of the wave but stretched his perception to the limit.

    Unexpectedly, no matter how much he pried into the distance, he couldn''t sense the presence of the wave. Even though he could see it with his eyes, sensing its composition was impossible.

    Thus, Lucian''s speculation became even more deeply embedded in his mind.

    ''It seems as if this Mana was birthed by something residing deep into the cave and isn''t a response to my occupancy,'' Lucian thought. After a few moments, he continued to advance deeper inside the dark tunnel. This time, he didn''t inspect the wave as closely as he did before.

    If it was such a danger, then his instincts wouldn''t have advised him to venture deeper. Furthermore, something would have happened during the time he was conducting his tests to warn him.

    After all, he had been there for quite some time and made thorough examinations, repeating the scenario more than once.

    Nevertheless, the less invasive the wave, the better it was for Lucian.

    Time passed uneventfully as Lucian made his way through the tunnel. During that time, Lucian took the time to familiarize himself with even more intricacies of his ability. By now, he was able to estimate the consumption of his ability per usage.

    All it took was the understanding of the theory behind his ability. ''The larger the pores in the material, the more Mana it''ll take to saturate its current state. In other words, my ability is just filling in the weaknesses in a designated target. Sadly, my ability also accounts for the level of the target''s state.''

    Similar to Priscilla, the sturdier the receiver of his ability was, the more taxing it became to utilize it. Not to mention, with his current MQ his choices of Reinforcing was limited.

    But, if his ability could bypass this limit, then his ability that was thought of as a nuanced triviality would be regarded as a national treasure! To reinforce materials beyond their existing state was an extremely beneficial gift.

    Suddenly, both Lucian and his thoughts came to a halt. There was an unidentified room before him and for unknown reasons, the wave of Mana disappeared abruptly. Moreover, unlike the dark tunnel, the room possessed a source of light.

    Lucian advanced cautiously while peeking his head through the doorway. Except for the numerous containers inside, the interior was void of any life. Or rather, the suspected Knolls were nowhere to be found.

    ''Is no one is manning the room, then where is this li-...what the hell?'' Lucian gawked, marveling at the sight before his eyes. The front-most layer of large containers was empty, save for the abundance of blue liquid inside, however, the things inside confounded Lucian.

    It was entirely different from his expectations.

    Deformed and unidentified lifeforms with several tubes connected to their bodies laid suspended in the containers. For a moment, Lucian thought these things were lifeless, but the instant he looked at them, their eyes opened, an emerald green sheen firing towards Lucian.

    Immediately, Lucian dodged to the side but the light was surprisingly harmless. In fact, the light was even faintly pleasant, causing Lucian to drop some of his raised defenses.

    However, all of their eyes appeared lifeless after the initial display of light.

    ''What the hell is this place?'' Lucian thought, glancing around. To him, this seemed like some sort of makeshift laboratory. But, places like these were usually heavily guarded with security personnel. Yet, this place was practically vacant.

    It didn''t make any sense and even seemed extremely out of place. "Could these so-called Knolls really be capable of such sophisticated research?"

    Lucian first thought was to retreat, but then he realized he couldn''t. It felt as if something was beckoning him until it caught his eye¡ªan exquisite crimson stone. However, to call it a stone was an injustice. The polished ruby exterior shimmered with a tantalizing light, which made Lucian tempted to claim it.

    As he stepped closer to the stone, there was a slight reaction from the obscure lifeforms. When he moved, they floated towards the edge of the container. After all, the placement of the stone was in the center of the ring-aligned containers.

    Suddenly, as Lucian stood before the stone, a screen appeared before him, but Lucian was partially confused by it.

    ¡¸Item Name: ???

    Rarity: ???

    Information: An item securely hidden from the eyes of its seekers. Those who hold it are destined to brave grave situations and devastating enemies yet awaken a sight beyond the understanding of many.

    Usage: ???

    Durability: ¡Þ (Indestructible)¡¹

    ''Uhh, what? Devastating enemies... Yeah, I''d rather not,'' Lucian thought, backpedaling cautiously. Regrettably, it seemed he had ventured beyond the point of return. The stone vibrated vigorously until finally, it levitated and collided with Lucian''s disappearing from sight.

    Surprisingly, when the stone collided with him, there was no pain. It was similar to splashing water upon your face to wake yourself up; Lucian only felt a jolt.

    Meanwhile, as soon as the stone disappeared, the containers holding the lifeforms shattered. Once that happened, Lucian was assailed by a surge of familiar energy.

    ''Isn''t this¡­'' Lucian''s eyes widened, ecstatic by his discovery. ''This is the same energy from the Fractal Pillar!''

    However, this wasn''t what made Lucian ecstatic, it was the state of his enemies. Due to unknown reasons, their bodies seemed unstable and unable to support themselves.

    In other words, once the container shattered, the beings were slumped on the floor, completely defenseless. Since they emitted the same energy as the Fractal Pillar, that meant they were related to one thing¡ªAccumulated Destinies.

    According to the Overseer, sources of this type of benefit were hard to come by outside of clearing the floors as directed. Even then, the rewarded destiny was minuscule at best. It was designed this way to locate prime specimens from the initial Refinement.

    However, in this case, Lucian wasn''t polite at all. He flourished his daggers without pause, dashing towards the decrepit lifeforms. The thought of acquiring energy related to the Fractal Pillars excited Lucian.

    This could be the prelude to his defining moment!

    ¡¸Name: Destiny Vessels

    Health: 1% (Unstable)¡¹

    With their current state, it was an effortless series of events that took place. A few simple slashes and the lifeforms were history! Furthermore, he was also pleased with the amount of destiny he absorbed.

    ?Alert! Destiny Vessel (???)has been slain. [1.20 Destiny Accumulation received.]?

    In total, after defeating the Destiny Vessels, Lucian came across 18 units of destiny. With his prior number of Destinies, he had acquired 21 Destiny Accumulations! After all, his first Refinement hadn''t consumed any of his destiny due to his unique circumstances.

    However, instead of happiness, Lucian felt more at odds than ever. A few things just didn''t add up. The containers, the eerie vibe that vanished out of nowhere as well as this stone¡ªit produced the most questions of all. Yet, nothing inside the room was capable of revealing an answer.

    Even after turning the area upside down, he didn''t come across anything useful. Though, he did revisit the containers and used his empty vials which previously held the recovery elixirs to confiscate a striking amount of liquid.

    After stowing the liquid he left this room filled with enigmas and retraced his steps. Yet, little did he know that as soon as he left this place, a tremor took place and this laboratory vanished without a trace.

    Soon enough, he found himself exactly where he started, but there was a large difference.

 Chapter 29 - A String Of Bodies

    ----

    "My goodness, just what the heck happened here? Why does it seem like everything has been turned upside down? This doesn''t align with Cezar''s claims," Lucian mumbled to himself. There was a collection of bodies strewn across the floor, compiling a path of decrepit bodies.

    While their figures were similar to a human, they possessed pointed noises, bulging stomachs, and oddly sculpted muscles. Obviously, this was the aforementioned Knolls bearing an unsightly appearance. However, according to Cezar and the others, there weren''t any Knolls nearby.

    In other words, there was either an abrupt change that took place before the others could realize it or Cezar had misled them about the positions of the Knolls. Although it sounded plausible, Lucian didn''t understand the use of the latter choice.

    Hence, the former seemed more closely related to the truth.

    ''I wonder, could I have something to do with the change? After all, in these types of situations, accessing a hidden area is bound to cause some unforeseen circumstances,'' Lucian thought. Before advancing, however, he approached one of the bodies, examining it closely.

    Compared to a human''s skin, the Knoll''s outer skin was astonishingly rough, akin to that of worn-out leather. Based on this, Lucian assumed the inferior equipment from before wasn''t enough to break through their defenses. Not to mention, the exposed muscles from the gruesome lacerations on their bodies revealed their sinewy muscles.

    Out of curiosity, Lucian withdrew one of his daggers before attempting to cut the muscle. At first, the resilience of the muscle was hard to deal with, but after increasing the pressure of the blade, he was finally able to lacerate the muscle.

    ''Quite tough. I supposed it''d take a high E Rank Strength to deal with these foes easily. Unfortunately, as they''re all dead¡­ it seems there''s no information to collect on it,'' Lucian internalized, tossing the Knoll body aside.

    Unlike with the miscellaneous stone, when he looked at the lifeless carcass of the Knolls, intending to glean some information from them, there was nothing. The only viable explanation would be that Lucian had yet to reach the requirements to inspect dead monsters.

    Shortly after, his attention returned to the extending corridor. Since there was nothing left in this area, Lucian abandoned it and moved forward at a moderate pace to not affect his stamina.

    Despite his lack of training, after monitoring the others, he adopted some of their habits both in battle and outside of it. Whilst running, Lucian kept his hand at his thigh, specifically on the daggers strapped to his thigh. This way, he would be able to react promptly if a battle were to unfold.

    Although it also gave away his intentions in high-level battles, for low-ranking monsters it would suffice. After all, intelligence wasn''t exactly the strong suit of said monsters.

    Approximately 20 minutes later, Lucian noticed sounds of battle; the clangs of metallic collisions and terrain being damaged entered his ears. ''They''re up ahead and judging by the frequency of the clashes, there should be a good amount of enemies,'' Lucian judged.

    Without delay, Lucian withdrew his daggers, sticking close to the wall as he advanced. The sight of the collision entered his sights in mere moments. And, it surprised him, to say the least.

    Foreign and shockingly strong clashed against Elaine''s ferocious flames while a barrage of frozen arrows combatted Matthias'' arrows. On the other hand, Cezar was occupied with Knolls wielding scimitars with exaggeratedly curved blades. Dealing with the angles of the strikes proved to be quite difficult.

    However, based on their expressions, Lucian could tell instantly. ''Something''s amiss. These enemies seem stronger than the last ones on the floor.''

    Although he couldn''t glean information from a status screen, all monsters carried residual mana signatures, and judging by what he felt now, these Knolls were evidently stronger!

    "DAMN IT! What the hell was that wave earlier? And, why did it empower these fuckers? Crap was jam-packed with monster nutrients?!" Cezar snarled while feeling the pressure of battle.

    Truth be told, Knolls of this level, were only classified as high-tier E Rank monsters. In other words, it shouldn''t be an issue for Cezar and the others to deal with it.

    Yet, each of them seemed to be pinned down by their combatants. Obviously, these current Knolls couldn''t be classified as mere high-tier E Rank monsters.

    "I have no idea, but the condensation was insane. I think it forcefully elevated these Knolls," Matthias replied while a piercing blue light accumulated in his eyes. Since the battle was more difficult than he imagined, he was less reserved than usual.

    The pressure of his arrows underwent a large change as the frozen arrows hurtled toward him smashed towards the ground.

    "So, I guess we''re going for an unbridled usage of our abilities? Very well, I can get behind that," Cezar responded with a grin. A faint image of a white tiger howling behind him appeared. Its ominous red eyes exuded the desire to seek blood.

    Meanwhile, Cezar''s physique became more robust as his movements hastened. Unlike before, the scimitars were unable to even touch his equipment. Conversely, more and more claw marks appeared on the torsos of the Knolls.

    ''Skrreee!'' ''Skrrreeee!''

    A sound emitted from the Knoll''s mouths. However, it was unknown what was said between them. While they interpreted it as a cry of pain, Lucian noticed something else. ''Wait a minute...those screeches weren''t painful!''

    Without a second thought, Lucian rushed forward; his eyes focused on the Knolls who were already weakened. For some reason, he felt they were devising some unknown plan.

    Two of the Knolls split from the others, dashing towards the wall. At a glance, this seemed like an innocuous decision, but Lucian''s mind raced, noticing some inconsistencies with that exact wall.

    All of sudden, Lucian looked up, noticing a ridiculous boulder. If it dropped, the boulder alone would swallow half of the room''s capacity, but even worse, it was bound to crush all of them under its magnitude.

    ''Suicidal! These things are god damn suicidal,'' Lucian gawked. While rushing towards the two Knolls he also looked at the others, "There''s an issue! Look up! I think whatever governs this place was leading us here all along!''

    The entire team heard his scream, looking up in accordance. However, different from Lucian''s response, they all chuckled.

    Cezar crushed one of the Knolls skulls under his claw of Mana with a playful smile.

    "Look at the scaredy-cat cry. It''s just a boulder, tch," Cezar chuckled mockingly. The more he used his ability, the harsher his attitude became. While the drawbacks were unsightly, the benefits were immense.

    During his chortle, the Knolls managed to reach the wall and blow it apart, shattering the support that kept the boulder suspended, thus allowing it to begin its descent filled with gravitas.

    In accordance, Cezar sped forth, rushing straight towards a wall. Right before he met it, similar claws appeared around his feet, allowing him to ascend the wall with ease. Furthermore, he continued to gain speed, leaving deep imprints in the wall.

    Small vibrations filled his claws before dispersing, enabling another marvel to take place. With a single punch, the howl of the white lion manifested, obliterating the boulder into 4 smaller quarters.

    Now, it became a matter of dodging the falling pieces. Kicking off one of the rocks, Cezar watched all of this unfold, perched on the wall with his claws.

    Whereas the others weaved through the falling rocks with ease, Elliot outright smashed those that came close, Lucian was appalled and frozen for the moment. By the time he realized a rock that was too close for comfort, it was too late to react.

    Fortunately, a force arrow shattered the piece to dust.

    "You must learn to be more attentive. You can lose your life at any moment," Matthias said with a disappointed expression.

    Despite the fact Matthias had intervened to help him, the earlier events weighed heavy on his mind. These actions weren''t enough to vanquish the grudge he bore. Perhaps it would only be solved after he matured further.

    But, for now, Lucian wasn''t sure.

    Suddenly, Cezar dropped down, "Well, I think that''s enough. Let''s continue forward."

    "Wait, what? What about the other Knolls?"

    "Tch, look around and ask that again," Cezar sneered, walking forward without another word.

    As the other followed behind, Lucian was awed by the decimated bodies of the Knolls, smashed to paste. Just as Lucian surmised earlier, their actions were suicidal!

    With a click of his tongue, Lucian continued as well, ''I didn''t even get a chance to acquire a single point! Then again...they are wasted on me. I can''t use them.''

 Chapter 30 - Forked Paths, Veering Fates

    ----

    While Lucian mulled over his lack of additional points, the others began to move again which started to widen the gap between them and Lucian''s position. If he waited any longer, then he would lose sight of their route. After all, Lucian recalled something Cezar mentioned earlier.

    ''When he scanned the upcoming path, he said it was a straightaway, but only for now. That means it can either branch into multiple routes or it could even bend and twist in varying directions, ultimately becoming a maze,'' Lucian thought.

    Although his perception and instincts weren''t bad, Lucian didn''t believe it was enough to transverse the uncertainties of the future. He would still need to rely upon them for guidance in some cases. After all, he found out the other dangers due to unusual premonitions.

    Hence, Lucian rushed behind the others, keeping a thorough note of the routes taken. Since it was their first excursion, he wasn''t sure whether or not the return to the Echelon Lounge was instant, or required them to return to the floor''s gate.

    If it was the latter, then placing subtle markers was a tremendous help in reducing the difficulty of escape.

    Soon enough, Lucian caught up to the others but it was only possible because they had stopped moving altogether. Located before them was a forked path, more specifically, there were three paths.

    And, the introduction of these paths produced ambivalence about how to proceed.

    "Which path do you believe we should take?" Elaine questioned, taking a step forth to assess the differences between the paths. Although it was impossible to discern with a naked eye, as long as one''s perception was strong enough, it wouldn''t be difficult to perceive something hidden under the veil of normality.

    "All of them," Cezar answered, gazing straight into the middle path. A light blue ripple of energy pulsated in his eyes as they sharpened with a vigorous power. Deep within the middle path, he could "see" a dense yet masked energy signature. Naturally, this meant the strongest monster of this floor was located down there.

    However, that wasn''t the only thing he sensed.

    "There is a restriction down that pathway. More precisely, there are two, and they each burrow and connect into the left and rightmost walls," Cezar revealed.

    "In other words, each of the pathways could be linked together?" Matthias inquired, glancing between the three paths. Though he couldn''t see what Cezar was referring to, he could sense it.

    Meanwhile, Lucian observed the paths quietly, making his presence sparse in the process. During that time, he didn''t understand why, but an odd sensation engulfed his mind, disappearing moments later.

    ''What was that?'' Lucian wondered. Since it was too short to pinpoint, Lucian couldn''t ascertain the exact location of the feeling. However, he did understand that it came from before him. ''Danger? But if I feel that, surely the others do as well.''

    Quietly, Lucian panned his gaze over to the others.

    "Yes, but not quite. They are connected, but only through the restriction. Their infrastructure isn''t connected in the slightest," Cezar answered, squatting before the entrances with a pensive expression.

    "Mmm, if that''s the case, then we can assume the restriction requires each room to be cleared to gain entry to the middle room. How do you suppose we split up the team for highest efficiency?" Matthias countered but at the same time, he revealed a complex expression.

    "I have a suggestion!" Priscilla voiced, gaining the attention of the others. But, what Ragna, Lucian, and Blair didn''t realize was her unsettling smile directed towards the others. Those who were familiar with Priscilla understood the meaning behind that smile.

    ''Oh, she''s up to no good again,'' Cezar inwardly frowned but intended to hear out Priscilla nonetheless.

    "The solution is simple; divide the numbers evenly with four of you on standby. Two of us will venture down the outer paths and clear the monsters. This way, you''ll be able to enter the boss room once we finish off our target," Priscilla stated, leaving the others to mull over her plans.

    "It''s not a bad idea, but the question is how do you wish to move forward?" Matthias asked, sparing Priscilla an intrigued smile.

    "Well, the Knolls aren''t particularly hard opponents, so we should be fine if I and another go while Ragna and Blair deal with the other side," Priscilla answered.

    Before responding, Matthias glanced towards Blair and Ragna.

    "I''ve no issue," Ragna shrugged with his deep voice.

    "If you need me to do so, I''ll do it willingly," Blair answered, a tinge of blush appearing on her cheeks.

    In response, Matthias nodded. "Very well, Priscilla, you''ll take Lucian with you and handle the left path."

    "W-what?! No way, that''s not happening. I was expecting you or Cezar. We''ll be able to clear it in an instant!" Priscilla protested.

    Unfortunately, once his mind was made up, Matthias wasn''t one to be swayed by spirited refutes or just mere words for that matter.

    "While that may be true, it''s not up for debate. Just accomplish what I''ve tasked you with. You could say that these forked paths have given birth to veering fates," Matthias responded with a faint smile.

    At first, Priscilla was enraged, but when she noticed Matthias''s faint smile, she began to see this from a different point of view as well. Clearly, there was a secret message conveyed by his smile. Yet, they forgot one important factor¡ªLucian''s willingness, or in this case, unwillingness.

    "Why must I go? What if I don''t wish to venture to that place?" Lucian retorted.

    Matthias chuckled lightly at his response, a heavy pressure seeping from his body, "In this team, I don''t think it''ll be best to defy the orders given. Know your place and act accordingly."

    The pressure Matthias released bore down on Lucian, restricting his movement and even the ability to talk. For the first time, Matthias was resorting to physical coercion. Even the others were surprised. After all, this was something not typically done.

    "Isn''t that a tad extreme Matthias?" Cezar said while stepping between Lucian and Matthias, canceling a portion of the pressure in the process.

    "I''ve told you earlier. I intend to reach the Alpha Echelon rather quickly. Doubts will only hinder my progress and I have allowed no time for that," Matthias rebutted. "Unless, do you wish to be overtaken by me?"

    "Tch, whatever," Cezar scoffed. He then turned towards Lucian, "Just get it over with quickly so you don''t have to deal with this."

    "Nn¡­" Lucian gave a strained nod, prompting Matthias to dissolve the pressure.

    Without another word of protest, Lucian ventured with Priscilla down the left path. Meanwhile, Ragna and Blair took the right path, leaving Matthias, Cezar, Elaine, and Elliot in the middle.

    This lineup was odd. In fact, this was their optimal battle team for taking out strong monsters with the least amount of numbers!

    Thus, Elaine noticed something with their composition.

    "Don''t tell me...do you intend to enter the boss room as soon as possible?"

    "As I said before, see it as these forked paths leading to veering fates," Matthias responded nonchalantly.

    At the same time, Cezar looked at him with a frown, "You''ve noticed it...haven''t you?"

    "Yes, I have. You have left quite a bit of useful information out of that briefing. For example, the fact that only entry of the adjacent path is needed to gain access to the main room."

    "Tch...what have you done?" Cezar groaned, shaking his head in frustration. There was a reason he didn''t disclose this information. It was related directly to Priscilla; a girl raised with a twisted mindset.

    "I''ve only done the inevitable, so stop worrying about it. Instead, let''s just get this over with. Since this place is a tool of fate, it''s up to your own hands to decide how you move forward. These things done to you are inconsequential."

    ¡­

    Not long after they left, Lucian found himself in an unfavorable situation¡ªalone with the madwoman known as Priscilla.

    "Why does it seem as if you have the attitude?! Remember, you''re not stuck with me; I''m stuck with you! Tch, disgusting freak."

    All Lucian could do was groan in response. He could feel it, there was an inbound headache!

 Chapter 31 - Unforeseen Change

    ----

    Just moments after the two duos traveled down their respective paths¡­

    "It seems like we were given this path of purpose," Ragna uttered in a deep voice. Simultaneously, peals of electricity snaked around his arms, which added to the overall robustness of his physique. Their faint blue arcs crackled with an energetic vibrance.

    "I''m willing to bet that is the truth. This path seemed to have more movements than the other, but I have no issue with this. Not only will I acquire more points, but I''ll even curry favor from Matthias. Ah, yes...that''s exactly what I will do," Blair answered, cerulean winds overshadowing her flushed cheeks from swooning over Matthias''s praise.

    "Tch, just when will you learn? You two are from two completely different echelons. Just face it, you''ll never reside on the same level as the with the divide in our abilities," Ragna sighed, shaking his head at his fawning friend.

    "Shut up! Don''t project your negativity onto me. For someone who deals with lightning and electricity, you''re overly negative!" Blair scoffed while stomping her foot. When she did so, a burst of air spread out from her.

    The disturbance seemed to alert some Knolls by the numerous ear-grating screeches sounding in the distance.

    While others would have tensed up in this situation due to the number of screeches, Ragna merely raised his fists, awaiting the inevitable company.

    Seconds later, the Knolls appeared while wielding their scimitars. Unlike the others who were empowered by the mysterious wave of mana, these Knolls were normal. In fact, they seemed to be lacking in terms of firepower. Thus, there were no unforeseen developments.

    Ragna dashed forward, leaving a trail of scorched earth behind when his lightning whiplashed the ground. Judging by his output, although he was inferior to Elaine in mass destruction, he was nothing to scoff at.

    Not only were his strikes extremely powerful, but due to the properties of his lightning, Ragna''s movements were rapid and also exhilaratingly sharp as well. Every time he landed a punch, a searing imprint was left upon the point of contact.

    On the other hand, Blair was like a blessed maiden of wind. While they weren''t overly strong, the volume of her winds was simply astounding. In mere seconds, she overwhelmed one of the Knolls, slamming it into the wall.

    The pressure of the winds was so strong, the wall started to give way. Numerous small pieces rolled down as the winds continued to erode the rock. Soon enough, the Knoll suffered a shocking number of bones fractures and lost consciousness. At that time, Blair ended her opponent swiftly, using a blade of wind to decapitate the Knoll.

    By the time she killed that Knoll, Ragna had already dealt with 4 Knolls of his own, coming closer to the beginning of the restriction. In fact, he could even see it.

    "It''s up ahead Blair. It seems like this restriction is just a basic barrier. However, even if it seems simple, never lower your guard."

    A few meters up ahead, there was a translucent barrier resembling the material of glass. However, restrictions were odd, to say the least. Although the barrier appeared like glass, the surface was reminiscent of water.

    As long as the requirements were met, passing through a restriction was easy. But, if it was the opposite, then the consequence came in an assortment of flavorful variations. Except, Ragna and Blair weren''t willing to test those enigmatic waters.

    ''Let the consequences remain hidden,'' Ragna thought to himself before glancing over at Blair. Afterward, both of them shared a nod in tacit understanding.

    With the restriction now located, Blair and Ragna moved forward, dealing with their enemies as they saw fit. To reduce the time spent here, when they gathered enough Enhancement Points, they used them to elevate their vessels in their lacking areas.

    This wouldn''t greatly impact their current Fractal Rating, but it did allow them to grow strong at a respectable pace. Thus, before they knew it, they were inside the restriction, subject to a sea of enemies.

    "Oh wow, there''s got to be at least 100 of them... Is this where they all gathered to? My god. This is going to be a headache," Ragna groaned. Nevertheless, he still clenched his fist when he thought of the number of points he could amass. The thought then led him to supercharge the lightning flowing around them.

    "Should we do that then?" Blair asked, turning towards Ragna with an inquisitive look.

    "It looks like that''ll be the only way to deal with them all at once," Ragna agreed.

    While the Knoll rushed towards them, both Blair and Ragna gathered their mana with signs of intense amounts coming together. A mini vortex formed around Blair, expelling anything that wasn''t related to her mana.

    Similarly, mighty arcs of lightning lashed from Ragna''s body, resembling a lightning war deity. However, their actions were far from over. As their mana levels continued to escalate, they moved closer to one another, holding hands in the end.

    After an exhale, Blair extended an open palm to create a sphere of spirited winds rotating rapidly before her hand. The larger it grew, the more strain she felt, which caused protruding veins to appear by her temples.

    "Hold it," Ragna exclaimed. He then pointed his hand forward, injecting his own mana into the sphere. The action caused the sphere to electrify. Fortunately, his control was far more than enough to prevent any of the stray currents from damaging Blair.

    Finally, Blair couldn''t contain the sphere any longer and the Knolls were upon them. Without a choice, she released the sphere and took cover immediately after. Hiding behind one of the sharp rocks, Ragna look towards Blair and chuckled heartedly.

    The stream of alert had elated both of them, completely extracting their mind from the exhaustion felt.

    ¡­.

    Meanwhile, Lucian and Priscilla had yet to reach any excitement. In fact, Lucian was dreading his life at this very moment. Throughout their entire trek, Priscilla''s mouth didn''t stop once. She complained the entire time before moving to even more targeted words.

    "So, how does it feel to be so weak?" Priscilla questioned derisively.

    At first, Lucian tried to ignore her, but she was the type who continued to talk with or without a response. Hence, Lucian decided to just humor her to pass the time.

    "The answer is simple. Why not ask your family what it felt like to be an old-fashioned human?" Lucian retorted, shrugging at the same time.

    "W-what? Are you sassing me? Tch, you''re lucky I respect Elaine! Else your experience would be much worse."

    "But, did I say anything wrong? Being labeled an F Rank is the closest thing to an old-fashioned human. So, if you ask your family, there''s bound to be some records of the comparison," Lucian replied, locating Priscilla''s weakness.

    ''It seems you possess a shred of loyalty to even respect her words in the darkness. However, is it truly respect or is it fear? I''ve seen it, she isn''t as strong as Elaine, but she holds a vital ability,'' Lucian thought to himself.

    "Whatever, I''m done talking to you about this. We''ve seen your attributes already, your future is dismal. What will you do when others fight a B Rank Beast? Your strength won''t even penetrate it. Not to mention, higher tier weapons require a certain level of Mana to energize them. Otherwise, they''re too heavy to wield."

    After she said this, Lucian stopped. Truth be told, this had come across his mind more than once. If the difficulty of the floors grew exponentially and his current capabilities stayed the same, then his future was indeed dismal! How would he combat the stronger opponents?

    "Then...do you think my fate is sealed? Of all those present in the party, you like me the least. So, be frank with me," Lucian said, looking towards Priscilla.

    "Absolutely. With your current limitations, I think you''ll be limited to the 2nd floor. Third, at most and that''s if you''re lucky. Of course, there have been a few odd cases, but that is unlikely."

    "What cases?"

    "Becoming an Evolver. But, those people can be counted on one hand. Even then, it all varies and it requires a catalyst. Nevertheless...we''re here," Priscilla said, pointing forward.

    A restriction identical to the one Ragna and Blair passed through appeared. However, unlike their room, when Lucian peered inside this one, the numbers weren''t as revolting.

    The number of enemies within the room amounted to no more than 40.

    Yet, Lucian wasn''t focused on the numbers, he was still focused on the term "Evolver". It was something he had never heard before. However, before he knew it, he felt an odd change followed by a mischievous remark.

    "Oh, don''t freeze up now. There''s fun to be had right?" Immediately after, Lucian felt something amiss!

 Chapter 32 - Abandoned

    ----

    A supple hand pressed against his back followed by a sweet yet conniving giggle, "Go on and have your fun. Take care of this while the others resolve the more important matters."

    Afterward, a gentle force pushed Lucian inside the indication of the restriction. The barrier then activated the moment his body landed inside. It only took seconds, but Lucian realized just what happened and turned around.

    "W-what are you doing?!" Lucian exclaimed, banging on the freshly erected barrier. Over and over, the sounds of his desperate banging could be heard. After Priscilla pushed him inside, the restriction didn''t allow him to leave the vicinity.

    In other words, the only Guardian present was Lucian and he was trapped inside this spacious cavern room with a gathering of Knolls!

    Despite the despair in Lucian''s voice, Priscilla released a hearty chuckle, "Don''t be so scared. This was the plan all along. Did you really think I was going to waste my time here with you? Hmph, as if you''re worthy! I would never sully my time like that."

    Based on what she saw, Priscilla was almost certain it was impossible for Lucian to clear the chamber. If she entered with him, then most of the work would fall on her shoulders and she would miss out on dealing with the boss.

    It was general knowledge that the points the inferior monsters could reward paled in comparison to what a boss could. Take the Apex Panther for example. Lucian had received a whopping 14 points for that kill.

    So, Priscilla wasn''t willing to forfeit her sumptuous portion for the survival of her teammate. In fact, as the team healer, she felt her position was the most vital and it was.

    Hence, the reason Matthias issued an eerie smile. She was able to instantly glean his intent from that earlier smile. Matthias intended to abandon Lucian here and claim another party member after his death.

    In his eyes, this was the only way to lift the condemnation of the team.

    Only during the tutorial and first floor were Enhancement Vouchers possible to obtain in mass. so a filler was only useful for these two instances. The rest could be pulled from different variations of Treasure Orbs bearing rewards.

    However, the reason Matthias sought them wasn''t for their current form. If enough of the basic version was acquired then it birthed the option to exchange for a higher version. This way, saving onto your voucher was just as beneficial as using it in dire times.

    "What do you mean this is your plan?! This isn''t right. It''s insane! What is wrong with you?" Lucian shrieked, pounding on the barrier. Unfortunately, the thing just wouldn''t budge.

    Apart from this situation, the Knolls in the background drew their weapons and inched closer to Lucian''s position. Each of them bore a malicious light in their eyes whilst emitting odd noises, similar to a cackling hyena.

    Standing before the barrier, Priscilla batted her eyes and twirled her hair, "Do me a favor and die, why don''t you~? Toodle-loo~!" Blowing a kiss, Priscilla sauntered off as she retraced her steps.

    Although she wasn''t sure of it because Matthias''s behavior was hard to read, Priscilla felt there was a chance the boss room didn''t require the clearance of the other areas. Rather, she felt there was only a need for them to be occupied. If her assumptions were correct, then she had eliminated all of her worries.

    "Wait! Waiitt!! Stop," Lucian roared, which made the veins in his neck bulge from the strain. Yet, Priscilla didn''t pay him one mind, not even turning back as her figure grew distant.

    For a moment, Lucian could only stare vacantly as his mind blanked.

    Turning around, Lucian pressed his back against the wall. Although he was terrified by his current situation, he was powerless to change it. As he gazed upon the bustling Knolls, his Guardian Mark compiled information on the Knolls.

    ¡¸Name: Knoll

    Ranking: E (Upper)

    Type: Elemental/Physical

    Health: 100%

    Strength: E- Agility: E

    Wisdom: E+ Dexterity: E- ¡¹

    Unlike Guardians, monster information was broken down into 4 main attributes. These four covered all of the abilities through cross-analysis. However, under the Beta Echelon, the information presented wasn''t as thorough as someone from the higher classes.

    ''What? H-how do they expect me to kill these things? Their attributes are higher than mine! Wait, Priscilla said it...they don''t expect me to clear this. They want me to die,'' Lucian thought while frowning deeply. After a deep exhale, he shifted his gaze over to the marking on his hand.

    ''I did it...I became a Guardian, but is this really my end? This can''t be real. I have promises to accomplish...I have aspirations to fulfill.''

    With each thought, Lucian''s teeth pressed deeper into his lip, soon breaking the skin open. A trickle of crimson blood seeped from his lip symbolizing how the treacherous situation was driving him insane. Additionally, Lucian''s thoughts started to race.

    He couldn''t just accept this outcome.

    Lucian''s attention then fell on the Knolls. At that moment, he made a declaration to himself, "I will not die!"

    As he roared, Lucian withdrew the bow and dashed to the side. He nocked a bow and performed a backstep, dodging one of the Knoll''s slashes. Trying to keep up with the Knoll''s higher speed was strenuous to employ, but Lucian needed to manage.

    This was without question!

    The light of his Reinforcing ability flashed, augmenting the tip of the arrow right before his release. Contrary to his desires, the targeted Knoll parried the shot. After it deflected the shot, the Knoll returned an attack of its own.

    A small spark ignited before his scimitar. The way it used its flames was quite odd. It wielded the scimitar as a medium to hit the spark towards Lucian. While small in size, the sheer number of Knolls made up for the lacking intensity.

    The temperature of the room rose as a result of the flaming attacks. Soon enough, Lucian suffered his first wound; a burn on his right arm. Fortunately, it was only damaging to the outer skin, barely affecting his combat ability. But, it would become troublesome to remain in struggle if he continued to accrue injuries.

    Backed into a wall, Lucian drew a dagger and bit the grip. Although he wasn''t used to this style of battle new tactics were bound to arise in times of desperation. After all, grasping at the straws of survival elucidated the errors of one''s ways.

    Lucian started to understand why the Knolls were able to dodge or deflect his strikes, they weren''t strong enough. Thus, Lucian tried some he had never done before¡ªreinforcing his own body.

    Compared to an item, a human body had too many components to fill with Mana¡ªcells, muscles, viscera, ventricles¡ªthe complexity was beyond Lucian''s understanding. Yet, this current situation didn''t allow for second thoughts.

    His teammates had left him out to dry, but he wouldn''t give in without a fight. The image of his sickly siblings appeared within his mind nonstop. They were his motivation and they depended on him.

    ''I''m...coming home,'' Lucian snarled in his mind. The light of Reinforcement radiated from his body, blinking in and out of existence as his arms and back were permeated by Mana. However, this action came with drastic consequences.

    ?Alert: Your vessel''s Mana Quotient has been reduced by 11 units.?

    Permeating his muscles with Mana had consumed over half of the free Mana in his body. In other words, while he could reinforce items various times this wasn''t the case with his vessel. At most, he could only reinforce it twice before needing restorative items to appease his exhaustion.

    Nevertheless, Lucian continued with his actions. When he nocked a bow this time, the arc of the bow was many times rounder than before. He was able to draw the bow far enough to give the arrows a higher acceleration.

    ''Phew!''

    The arrow zipped through the air the instant Lucian released it. Furthermore, unlike his previous strikes, Lucian allowed the Knoll to come closer, reducing the distance the arrow needed to travel. In turn, this increased the reaction speed needed to counter.

    When the arrow drew near, the Knoll attempted to knock it away but its strike was mistimed. Its scimitar passed right behind the quill of the arrow. In the very next second, the Knoll''s head was tilted backward, followed by a loud thud.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Knoll (E Rank) [Reward: 0.8 points]?

    Although the kill felt good and the reward was higher than in the tutorial, Lucian didn''t have to luxury of reveling in his actions. On the contrary, Lucian was partially disappointed.

    ''All this to kill a single enemy yet the others can kill these monsters in a mere swing. This is unfair,'' Lucian thought, clenching his teeth around the hilt of his dagger. A torrential resentment entered his eyes as he started the Knolls with disgust.

    Meanwhile, a very different situation was taking place on the other paths.

 Chapter 33 - Coordinated Plans

    ----

    While Lucian was barely managing to deal with the Knolls through exhausting himself to absurd degrees, Matthias and the others watched as the restriction of the boss''s path dissipated.

    Deep inside the passageway, a gate presenting enormous wooden slabs outfitted with thick metal rods and other securing items could be seen. Moreover, it was larger than they were tall.

    "Say, why''s the gate so large if the Knolls are such a small race?" Cezar questioned, inspecting the gate before him. At most, the Knolls stood 4 feet tall, yet the gate before them seemed to be no smaller than 7 feet, and maybe even larger than that.

    Generally, a significant amount of information could be gleaned from the state of the boss''s passageway. For example, a large gate meant the monster in question was gargantuan in size. Also, the crudeness signified its lacking intelligence.

    "Well, perhaps it''s a mutant. I''m sure you''re aware of mutants by now," Elaine commented. By default, a mutant was the term given to monsters who strayed away from their typical evolution cycle. For example, a boar breathing fire or an eagle conducting lightning.

    However, in the case of monsters summoned by the Fractured Monolith, they originated from different planes altogether. While most youths thought the Fractured Monolith created these monsters, that wasn''t true at all. In truth, all the Fractured Monolith did was "summon" any race of its choosing except for the humans.

    After all, how would they go against a race that was vaporized to empower the Seed World effects?

    The Fractured Monolith was simply a link to the other worlds in this dimension''s quadrant, hence why most Overseers referred to it as a tool. Meanwhile, the purpose of authority was simple; it enabled the recipients of the Monolith to access more prominent quadrants of the dimension.

    Effectively gaining access to new routes to power.

    Nevertheless, the presence of quadrants wasn''t revealed until a Guardian entered the Alpha Echelon. Of course, there were other ways to learn of the quadrants but that required the usage of a guardian''s exclusive right.

    Sadly, that right wasn''t completely operational until the Merge officially began.

    "Of course I know what mutants are! But...isn''t 7 feet too tall for a Knoll? Those imps shouldn''t be able to grow that large," Cezar responded, shaking his head doubtfully.

    "Remember, it is boss. If the monster has evolved and crossed ranks then it is feasible because some logic doesn''t properly apply to evolved beings. Simply put, it''s possible if what we''re facing isn''t a mere Knoll. Truthfully speaking, I hope it isn''t normal at all. It would be the perfect opportunity to acquire additional points," Matthias interjected.

    "Mn, right," Elaine nodded along.

    "Guysssss~"

    A gleeful shout was heard in the distance, triggering everyone''s response. Everyone except Matthias was surprised by the appearance of this seemingly harmless girl.

    "Why are you back already, Priscilla? Wait¡­ don''t tell me. Did you actually do what I think you did?!" Cezar shouted, partially in panic. While he understood Lucian was a hindrance to the team, he couldn''t justify abandoning or purposely introducing the boy to harm.

    "The hell I did~! I wasn''t staying there with that boy, no I mean pissant. Are you stupid? If you like him so much, why don''t you go?"

    "Go? I can''t! Look here," Cezar pointed at a few markings on the wall. After the boss''s gate opened, a few symbols appeared alongside the wall which was then translated by their Guardian Marks.

    It read: "Once inside, only total clearance of the enemies within the respective barrier will permit the reopening of a room''s restriction."

    To put it differently, unless the monsters INSIDE the room were cleared, then the occupants of the rooms were trapped! Based on the wording of the text, it seemed that clearing the boss wouldn''t reset the restrictions either.

    "Welp, then he''s screwed. Not my problem," Priscilla shrugged. Straightaway, she took a step forward, stepping inside the boundary of the boss''s room. "Well, are you coming?"

    Matthias followed behind but before he could get far, Cezar grabbed his arm without remorse and pulled him back, "Matthias, you can''t be serious?! You can''t actually be supporting this behavior, right? This is someone''s life we''re talking about here, it''d be different if he died in the line of battle, but you sent him to his death!"

    "No, he sent himself to his death by entering this place, to begin with. There is no difference between accelerating the inevitable. I''m sure you''re aware that this tower isn''t a game. It wasn''t put in this world to babysit the terminally weak. Our parents have instilled information in us and we''re tasked with growing to their height and beyond. Only then will we be able to protect our life. What''s a little sacrifice on the way?"

    After he said this, Matthias slapped Cezar''s hand away.

    Though his logic wasn''t incorrect, it was morally corrupt and Cezar couldn''t stand behind this principle. ''It is as my father said, the allure of power corrupts man''s reason. My behavior was also uncalled for. Hopefully, you find a way to survive.''

    For a moment, Cezar was motionless as he closed his eyes. Once he opened his eyes, he turned back. There were two figures standing behind him. One was a muscular youth with black hair and piercing eyes while the other was an attractive girl with olive hair and well-proportioned curves.

    Naturally, this was Ragna and Blair who appeared after clearing their own room. After their combination attack, they cleared the room in a few minutes. During that time, the argument and Cezar''s pause allowed them to catch up.

    "Is something wrong," Ragna questioned. Cezar''s usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a partly melancholic and even frustrated attitude. However, Cezar merely shook his head, choosing not to speak on the subject.

    "Nothing, just enter the boss room and prepare yourself," Cezar shook his head. Afterward, he glanced back towards the path leading to Lucian''s position yet again. As he did so, his fist clenched so tight that blood could be seen seeping through.

    ----

    Meanwhile, Overseer Vohr bore witness to this situation from within the Proximal Space. There was apparent disappointment written all over his face.

    "If this is how you all cultivate your children, then I''m afraid you won''t be able to pass the Merge. Your opponents will move as a singular unit. What they have just done is needless sacrifice. Truly disappointing,'' Overseer Vohr sighed.

    Though he wanted to intervene, it was outside of his jurisdiction. Once a Guardian entered a floor, unless there was something amiss with the monolith''s interface, the Overseers were forbidden from intervening.

    That meant even infighting was permitted by the bylaws of the Fractured Monolith''s code.

    Thus, Overseer Vohr was powerless in this situation. If he moved, he would be put under review and in turn placing his position as an Overseer in jeopardy. The benefits that accompanied the position were too enticing to give up. It allowed the Overseer to evade the stipulations of the Merge on their own world!

    In other words, it provided a place of unmatched security to its staff members. After all, the entity that designed the Fractured Monolith is the same one who authorized the Merge. Hence, falling under their grasp was akin to having the most authoritative backer.

    Nevertheless, Overseer Vohr crossed his arms, focusing his attention on Cezar, "At least there is camaraderie in your adolescent heart. If you pick your company wisely, you will go far. But, if you pick a poisonous entourage, you too will rot in the process alongside the cancerous deceit."

    Almost as if he sensed Overseer Vohr''s presence, Cezar looked up, gazing directly into the screen before Vohr.

    ''Hoh? He can''t see me, but his predatory senses can most likely generalize my surveillance,'' Overseer Vohr surmised, swiping the focus back over to Lucian. Surprise filled his countenance as he watched the scene unfold.

    "He''s putting up quite the fight but those numbers... It has to be quite overwhelming to deal with based on his stamina levels. And, those items are only temporary fixes due to their inferior concoction. Will he make it?"

    Despite the extremely unfavorable odds, Lucian was putting up a fight by exhausting every means at this disposal.

    A moment later, Overseer Vohr sighed with a heavy heart and panned back to the boss room; the sight of 7 individuals standing before a seemingly giant Knoll. Oddly enough, he started to smirk.

    "Ah, so they''ve been given a D Rank monster on the higher spectrum; a Knoll Chieftain. Let''s see how they manage against this for. After all, this monster is quite odd," Vohr chuckled, finding amusement in this situation.

 Chapter 34 - Knoll Chieftain

    ----

    The gigantic figure in the middle of the room drew Cezar''s attention the moment he entered.

    Meanwhile, the others gazed incredulously at the figure before them. Though it resembled a Knoll, it also reminded Cezar of an ogre because of its large physique.

    Of course, as a Knoll, despite being a variant, it still possessed its bulging stomach and horrific features, but its stalwart frame was shocking.

    Compact muscles rippled with apparent power as the Knoll Chieftain lifted its scimitar to its shoulder. Compared to a normal Knoll''s scimitar, the weapon it donned was many times larger and heavier. Just resting the weapon on its shoulder caused a few of the rocks near its feet to tremble.

    "Mm, so the fucker is unusually large," Cezar muttered to himself while continuing to observe the Knoll Chieftain closely. In response to his action, a collection of information appeared on the enemy.

    ¡¸Name: Knoll Chieftain

    Ranking: D (Upper)

    Type: Elemental/Physical

    Health: 100%

    Strength: C- Agility: D+

    Wisdom: D- Dexterity: D¡¹

    Just the C- Strength attribute made the Knoll Chieftain a force to be reckoned with. Once the Strength touched upon the C Rank, it meant it was capable of high amounts of destruction. This was before using Mana to strengthen any of its attacks.

    Meanwhile, everyone else''s strength within the party was within the D- to D+ range. With Matthias and the other two Elites, attaining the D+ standard.

    Plus, every change in ranking meant a noticeable upgrade of effectiveness that continued to snowball. After this range, the increase in effectiveness was pretty large.

    In other words, an increase from D+ to C- meant at least a 25% increase in strength. This pattern continued until a C+ was approximately twice as strong as a D+ Rank attribute. Hence, the reason the Association and Corps only sought the higher-ranked individuals.

    As the ranking grew, so did the power divide. Even amongst A Ranks¡ªA-, A, and A+¡ªthere existed a large chasm in strength. It only grew worse with the appearance of the glorious S Rank.

    As a result, Cezar rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Truth be told, he had enough Enhancement Points to upgrade his strength, however; the cost was becoming exorbitant. Outside of the F Rank, where each upgrade cost a single point, the cost accumulated with each successive increase, starting from E-.

    But each ranking bracket possessed a unique price, calculated through a strict formula designed by the Fractured Monolith. Unless you reached the rank, you wouldn''t know the cost of the upgrade. Granted, someone revealing this information ahead of time could fix this issue.

    However, Cezar was already aware of the cost. Truth be told, it followed a pattern, but to find it out required a dedicated study of the numbers.

    ''Dad said it costs somewhere around 10 points. Compared to the earlier upgrades, that''s a hefty jump,'' Cezar thought. While this upgrade cost 10 points, the most costly upgrade within the D range was only 4 points! That was a 250% increase in price.

    Needless to say, this was the reason behind their hoarding of points in that tutorial.

    Nevertheless, this fight required matching strength. Without a second thought, Cezar used his points to increase his strength. A small shock wave emitted from his body as a visible improvement occurred in his muscle mass. Yet, the applied muscle mass didn''t stay bulky, as the flow of Cezar''s Mana soon chiseled it.

    "Elliot, you''re on defense. Do what you usually do and tank the blows. As for you, Priscilla, maintain your distance. Elaine, you''re with me," Matthias commanded, issuing orders to everyone. However, issuing orders to Cezar was problematic because it was like talking to a brick wall.

    "This isn''t the time to rebel!" Elaine said with a frown.

    But, Cezar merely clicked his tongue, "You''re right. It''s time for me to do what I wish."

    "Whatever. Ragna, you''re with me then," Matthias said, changing his plans to account for Cezar''s defiance.

    The moment they made their move, the Knoll Chieftain released a tremendous bellow. However, it wasn''t enough to affect the team. They followed the orders received from Matthias, moving into their correct positions.

    Ragna moved alongside Matthias and waited for him to fire an arrow at the Knoll Chieftain''s joint, before boosting his speed with large bursts of lightning. When it came to spontaneous movement, Ragna held the top spot.

    But how could such a monster be that easy to deal with?

    The arrow didn''t even puncture the leg as the Knoll Chieftain looked at them with a bizarre glint in its eyes. This caused Ragna to avert from his earlier plans of confronting the boss and dashed to the side.

    Perhaps this display amused the Chieftain, or maybe it by the fact these kids tried to inflict damage upon its body sparked its rage. Either way, a dense shade of greenish aura appeared on its body, originating from the site of the attack.

    ''Oh? Its Mana is quite potent. Penetrating its defenses is going to require some effort. It looks like the Chieftain''s defense is closely related to its strength attribute,'' Matthias surmised, nocking another arrow, but he deluged this one with Mana. In fact, it didn''t even resemble the prior arrow at all.

    "Again!" Matthias instructed, aiming his shot at the opening in the Knoll Chieftain''s actions.

    Once again, Ragna''s body flared with crackles of lightning as he dashed towards the Knoll Chieftain with a clenched fist. Some of his Mana converged at the tip of his spiked knuckled as he closed the distance.

    Meanwhile, Elaine conjured two flames spears above her hands, ready to release them at a moment''s notice. Blair, on the other hand, was focused on controlling forceful winds to redirect the Chieftain''s steps. This allowed the team to limit the boss''s realm of action.

    Sadly, it proving to be more difficult than she expected. With the weight of the boss factored in, the output required of Blair to move it was absurd! Not to mention, the Knoll Chieftain put up a resistance.

    Just seconds after they employed their tactics, the Knoll Chieftain released an infuriated bellow, inducing tremors within the cavern. Without pause, the Chieftain then stomped the ground, jumping towards Matthias. For its size, its speed was ludicrous.

    Its speed alone allowed it to shatter the influence of Blair''s winds.

    "I-I can''t hold it! Blair said with a strained voice as she bit her lip to uphold her concentration. Yet, no matter how much she increased the pressure of her winds, she couldn''t reduce the Knolls Chieftain''s speed.

    Bang!

    The boss''s blow kicked a massive cloud of dirt up from the ground, but that wasn''t all. The powerful smash obliterated the area in the position Matthias once stood. Right before the blow connected, Matthias managed to slip away through the wide radius of its attack.

    As the dust cleared, it revealed Matthias in a crouched position, leaning away from the enormous scimitar embedded into the ground. He wore a smug smirk as his actions became apparent to the team.

    "What a big mistake."

    Matthias''s bow was nocked with an overwhelming arrow, aimed directly at the Chieftain''s eyes. Before the Chieftain could react, Matthias released the arrow and pierced its eye.

    ''Pucht!''

    The sound of a bloody puncture echoed within the hollow cavern, accompanied by the anguished roars of the Knoll Chieftain. It held its bloodied eye while gazing upon Matthias with undisclosed hatred. As it continued to roar, its prior greenish energy shifted to a faint crimson color while seeping from its body.

    "Oh, that thing is going berserk!" Cezar exclaimed with surprise as he monitored the battle from afar. Although he refused to join and assist, that didn''t mean he would miss out on his share of the points.

    Unexpectedly, the aura stopped seeping out from the boss and reversed its flowed, flooding back into the muscles of the Knoll Chieftain. As a result, the torrent of potent Mana caused its limbs to experience an expansion, ballooning to a frightening state.

    "Rooarrrgghhhh!" Its bestial roar shook the entire room as it disappeared and reappeared in the next moment.

    Boom!

    Elliot was sent flying back like a rag-doll, despite using his shield to defend. If one looked closely, they''d discern the large indent of the shield and as well as the edge being bent at an odd angle.

    "Bleurgh," Elliot''s eyes widened as he spewed blood. Contrary to his typical ability, he couldn''t absorb enough of that attack. After all, this berserk monster had already escaped the boundaries of a mere C monster. It had touched upon the next realm!

    Therefore, the jolt of his organs caused a great deal of pain.

    Fortunately, an azure cloud encased him, rapidly healing the damage done to his body This was the effect of Priscilla casting her ability upon him.

    The Chieftain noticed her actions and immediately marked Priscilla as its target. It moved to dispose of her quickly. However, Matthias couldn''t stand by and allow that to happen.

    Matthias nocked three arrows flooded with Mana and released them simultaneously just as the Chieftain swung its scimitar.

    Peng! Peng! Peng!

    Each of the arrows hit the scimitar, carrying enough force to knock it off its track. However, if they wish to triumph over this situation alive, they would have to pull out all the stops. This wasn''t an opponent to be trifled with.

    Meanwhile, as they attempted to handle the boss, Lucian''s situation was worsening, becoming extremely difficult to cope with.

 Chapter 35 - Deaths Door

    ----

    "U-urgh¡­"

    Lucian groaned while falling to his knees with a pale expression. While the others continued to fight with the boss in an attempt to claim all the points, Lucian was being put through an experience akin to a trial by fire.

    Since his consumption was leagues above what he was used to, Lucian had already exhausted his MQ three times over. Plus, the continued consumption of the lesser recovery potions was taking an immense toll on his body.

    After all, these elixirs weren''t like their refined forms, where the drawbacks were minimized to display their increased effects. Of course, the same method could be applied to correct the lower versions, but then how would they maintain their profit from the exchange system?

    They based the system on the laws of equivalent exchange, which in this case, meant you get what you pay for. Not to mention, the Fractured Monolith''s operators withheld exposure to the better version until the Guardians entered the required stage.

    Nevertheless, Lucian stubbornly guzzled another vial of the Lesser Mana Recovery Elixir. However, instead of his usual actions, Lucian channeled his ability as soon as the contents entered his tongue.

    This was an experimental plan. If his body couldn''t contain the energy, then what if he discharged it through use before it was emitted wastefully? If that was possible, then it would help increase his chances of survival.

    Since his odds were already dismal, Lucian was willing to accept this wager. Even if it produced unfortunate repercussions, he didn''t have the time to dwell on this matter. After all, he had only dealt with 20 percent of the enemies present.

    "What do I have to lose? I must survive...no matter what," Lucian thought to himself. However, his actions were remarkably reckless. Because of the amount of Mana he was pouring into his body, some of his veins split open his skin to reveal a gruesome sight underneath.

    As the durability of an F Rank''s vessel wasn''t enough to handle the forceful influx of Mana, Lucian''s body was suffering extensive damage. Although it wasn''t enough to decommission him, it was just enough to cause him to stifle his movements for a moment.

    ''No, no!'' Lucian thought to himself. A savage gleam then radiated from his eyes as he adamantly refused to give in. His condition blanched further, yet he didn''t pay this a single notice. Even his peripheral vision was withering from the constant strain.

    Skreeeee!

    A collection of enthusiastic cries sounded when the Knolls observed Lucian''s state. The fact their prey was on the edge of death enlivened their actions. So much so that they started to steal glances at the restrictions.

    This behavior was odd for monsters of their level because it possessed a shred of intelligence. Almost as if they were here upon order and not by choice. Unfortunately, Lucian didn''t notice this matter since he couldn''t spare their current behavior any consideration.

    Instead, he raised his dagger before his chin and open his empty right hand before his body. While untrained, he had been biding his time by watching Cezar and the other''s actions.

    This enabled Lucian to pick up some battle stances to employ in battle, albeit amateur in appearance.

    Swoosh!

    Three of the greenish Knolls rushed towards Lucian while flailing their arms in a frenzy. Their rush wasn''t fast, only on par with Lucian''s currently augmented body. However, their advantage rested in their numbers.

    It would prove difficult for anyone to go against 3 three enemies of the level while simultaneously defending themselves from impending doom.

    Clink!

    Lucian defended against the first strike by raising his dagger. Before he could stabilize his feet, the next Knoll''s attack was upon him. The Knoll launched a fierce hack, intending to inflict a serious wound, but Lucian reacted quickly through his blurry vision.

    Lucian used a minimalistic action and sidestepped the hack before stabbing his dagger forward. A faint blue light appeared at the tip of his weapon, which symbolized the use of his ability.

    Pucht!

    His dagger landed on the Knoll''s left chest but Lucian couldn''t rejoice over his feat as he faced an attack from three directions. In the heat of the moment, he did what any sane person would do. He grabbed one of the Knolls by their tattered clothing and pulled it towards him.

    Skree!

    Pained squawks rang as a deep gash formed from receiving a sharp attack on its back. Furthermore, a tiny ice spear and small fireball impacted the Knolls back. Once this happened, a notification appeared before Lucian''s eyes.

    ?Alert: You have killed a Knoll (E Rank) [Reward: 0.8 points]?

    After the notification appeared, Lucian tossed the Knoll aside and wiped the deep blue blood oozing from his face. This scene created a horrifying sight as Lucian''s savage eyes burned through the mess of viscous blood.

    Without pause, Lucian bit the hilt of his dagger and raised his bow. Unlike before, Lucian was attempting to perform a feat most archers would find difficult to execute. He didn''t aim to fire one arrow; he withdrew two from his quiver!

    Hoo¡­

    Lucian exhaled before listening to the rapid beating of his frantic heart. Now that his blood was filled with particles of Mana, his heart was in overdrive. This, in turn, led to enhanced cognitive abilities, allowing Lucian to grasp his opponents'' movements with greater depth.

    Pheu!

    A moment later, Lucian released the arrows before immediately following up with another volley of arrows. However, while he aimed the first set of dual arrows at his enemies, Lucian utilized the next set to deal with the incoming fire and ice projectiles.

    Due to the difference in mana presence, Lucian''s arrows dispersed the projectiles, but it wasn''t as gratifying as he expected. Simultaneously splitting his Mana to flow into two different objects left him to experience crippling pain.

    The pain originated from his heart and flowed to his limbs, making them feel heavy and nearly unresponsive. The abuse of Mana was causing his body to shut down! Once this occurred, Lucian''s mind was assaulted with the realization of his peril.

    "I won''t die¡­ but if I do then curse you, you stupid bitch. If I manage to survive, I swear I will kill you," Lucian uttered while falling to a single knee. His right leg gave out since he could no longer feel its presence, despite it still being attached to his body.

    Of course, the person he was swearing at was Priscilla, the cause of his current predicament. If she had stayed for just a while, they would have already dealt with the troubles of this room.

    Sadly, this was just Lucian''s wishful thinking, and not the fact of the matter. If these Knolls never brought him to this desperate state, would he even think about experimenting on himself in such a way? While the answer was partially unclear, Lucian truly couldn''t see himself being this ruthless to his body.

    Skree! Skree! Skree!

    As soon as Lucian dropped to one knee, the Knolls rushed towards him all at once. Even though every fiber of his being was aching, Lucian persisted through the pain by nocking arrow after arrow.

    Apart from the first arrow, his aim kept veering off-path and something similar to a cackling laughed echoed from the Knoll''s mouths. Then another shocking event happened.

    Two of the Knolls threw their scimitars towards Lucian. The rotation of the blades made them seem like rotating disks with exceptionally sharp edges. Danger blared in Lucian''s mind, but no matter how much he compelled them to, his legs wouldn''t move.

    A split second later, two ghastly wounds appeared on Lucian''s body; one on his torso and the other by his shoulder. Yet, despite their horrid appearance, he couldn''t feel the pain that should have followed.

    "Do I...already have one foot in death''s door? Why doesn''t it hurt anymore," Lucian muttered as his vision darkened continually.

    With the last ounce of his strength, Lucian clutched the dagger by his side and threw it right in front of his body. The last thing he saw was another notification window, followed by a few more.

    Meanwhile, the Knolls stood over his body with disturbing grins plastered across their faces.

    [Obtain your path to power. Trudge through the darkness and arrive at your unique light.]

    The same voice that called him into the Monolith appeared in his mind as a speck of white light surfaced in the darkness.

 Chapter 36 - Gains And Sacrifices

    ----

    The appearance of the white speck baffled Lucian. However, his current condition didn''t allow him to question what was taking place. All he could do was watch as the white light in view grew brighter.

    At first, he thought it to be a mere inanimate source, but that wasn''t the case. As it grew larger, Lucian could discern certain qualities about this spectacle. For one, the light was comparable to a humanoid body, yet it lacked features except for two crimson eyes staring into the depths of Lucian''s shocked soul.

    [Your fate; it is in your possession. The question is, do you accept it and the hardships it entails? If so, just say the word and the process will commence. We will unearth the power that was stripped from you due to some unfortunate circumstances.]

    As the voice spoke, Lucian''s mind froze. The mention of having his power plundered from him sounded odd. After all, he had never come in contact with any suspicious characters. Nor had he heard of someone being able to hijack powers in Alteria. If such a person existed, then their identity, as well as their existence, was an earth-shattering secret!

    Instead of immediately answering, this piece of information impelled Lucian to seek a few questions of his own, "Who? Who robbed me of my power, and why would they choose me? Just what is so special about me?"

    [You ask the right questions; it is just a shame that it is at the wrong time. However, while I''m unable to reveal the former, I can shine light upon the latter topic. In essence, the power you once held is like a blank canvas.]

    "A blank canvas? What significance does that carry?" Lucian questioned. He also began to notice his ability to stand in this blank world. It seemed as if his body wasn''t riddled with the same wounds inflicted in the Fractured Monolith.

    [A great deal, because it is easily manipulated. If you wish to learn more, just analyze your current ability. If not for your weakened vessel, that ability you hold would occupy an astronomical limit. Alas, the matter is far too tricky and there are too many elements at play.]

    "At least tell me, was it a human?" Lucian asked. After speaking with Overseer Vohr and experiencing the scenarios within the Fractured Monolith, Luchian could infer that the universe contained a multitude of races.

    Though he wasn''t able to guess how many, the fact that Overseer Vohr said this world was only in a minute quadrant spoke volumes of the universe''s grandeur.

    [Yes, and also no. I will clarify this once you escape the Transient Realm. Once you enter the realm beyond, you''ll hold the ability to shelter yourself from the looming darkness that lurks over all the worlds plagued by that tower.]

    It was slight, but Lucian could hear the disdain and resentment radiating from this ethereal voice. The only reason he could sense it was because it matched the same feelings he held towards Priscilla, thus he was especially sensitive to these emotions for the moment.

    Even if he didn''t possess the means to understand the entire situation, Lucian could glean a hint from this fluctuation in the entity''s voice.

    "You despise this tower''s existence. Then, it must have wronged you, right?" Lucian asked further, attempting to pry every morsel of information he could.

    [The only answer I can give is to be careful of who you trust. Everyone moves with a unique agenda. Even if the chosen road takes sacrifices, more often than not, an individual would welcome the infernal torch of resentment to realize their goals. It is now your turn to make that choice.]

    [Do you wish to live with renown forged through the flames of your efforts, or do you wish to die in vain, at this very moment, with resentment potent enough to impair your judgment?]

    Lucian''s hand clenched when considering the question. It was apparent from his reaction that he understood what the voice was trying to insinuate. He could grant him power, however, a sacrifice was required of him in order to obtain it.

    "What is the cost?" Lucian asked warily. Even though it was just a probing question, Lucian still wanted to gain a trace of what awaited him in the future. Whether it be near or extremely distant.

    [You have two choices. Either relinquish your deepest desire to me, never being able to fulfill it. Or, you must engage in an Absolute Soul Binding contract with me. However, the stipulations will be large. Larger than the entire worth of your Minor World; are you willing to shoulder this vast burden?]

    "Why me?" Lucian asked, astonishing the light entity for a moment.

    [Because your circumstances are the rarest ever. They fit the prerequisites that have yet to appear. In other words, you are my golden ticket and I can''t allow you to slip through my fingers.]

    "If you lay your reasons bare like that, it''ll have me believe that you''re absolutely sure of my decision to follow you. Why do you believe I''ll accept?"

    [That answer is simple. In fact, you already know it. You wish to uncover the mystery of your parents, but to do so requires power surpassing the Transient Realm. Therefore, the only viable choice would be to accept this fate that has been awaiting you patiently.]

    Just the mention of his parent was enough to trigger Lucian.

    "Do you know something?!"

    [Not exclusively, but accept and I shall tell you what I know. It should at least be able to ease your turbulent mind.]

    After saying this, an archaic scroll appeared before Lucian''s eyes. However, his expression became odd when he gazed at it.

    "This...isn''t this the scroll I collected?"

    [Precisely. Mark it with a droplet of blood and the binding will officiate.]

    After a deep exhale, Lucian nodded. As his hand hovered above the scroll, an eerie blood drop left his palm, which was odd seeing as this was a place unique to his consciousness.

    [With your soul''s lifeblood as the foundation, you now fulfill all requirements to accept the sacred jewel known as the Limitless Stone. I will see you again in due time. By then, you should be much stronger. Powerful enough to wrest your parents from their current situation.]

    With that morsel of information, Lucian understood that while their whereabouts and conditions were a mystery, they were very much alive.

    Before he could prepare himself, the light entity injected itself into the scroll, which then collided against Lucian''s forehead.

    ----

    A large emission of crimson energy pushed away all the Knolls gathered around Lucian''s body. The same radiation caused everything to be thrown into disarray as Lucian''s eyes slowly opened.

    If one looked closely, they''d realize his previously aquamarine eyes were being enveloped by a ravishing crimson color. Furthermore, the color of his blonde hair faded as it adopted a shimmering silver luster. Even Aurora''s pristine white hair couldn''t compare to its alluring qualities.

    Meanwhile, that wasn''t the most worthwhile thing happening to Lucian''s body. Numerous popping noises could be heard as the red jewel ejected from Lucian''s body.

    Only, the appearance of this jewel and its information differed greatly from the initial enigmatic information.

    ¡¸Item Name: Limitless Stone

    Rarity: Sacred (Divinity Item)

    Information: A jewel holding the ability to bestow the chosen wielder with the presence of the ?Limitless? trait and the corresponding abilities.

    Usage: The item acts of its own sentience and chooses its wielder upon its creator''s instructor.

    Wielder: Lucian Salvatore (Unable to be extracted; Soul & Vessel merged.)

    Durability: ¡Þ (Indestructible)¡¹

    Zwoop!

    The once complete orb was fading as the wisps of its boundless energy entered Lucian''s body. The earlier wound healed at a bizarre rate. It disappeared in mere moments.

    Not to mention, the discharge wave continued to force every Knoll present against the wall despite having already dissipated. They were not allowed to intervene in any shape or form.

    Once the last wisp entered Lucian, a deluge of notifications appeared before Lucian. The first of which was the message linked to the Limitless Stone.

    ?Alert! Inexplicable changes occurred. Unable to be measured by the system.?

    ?Alert! Error! Error! Error! False alarm. The system has failed to detect a plausible change.?

    Meanwhile, Lucian saw something entirely different.

    ?Assimilation complete. All of your abilities have been awakened in addition to the return of your original abilities.?

    ?First milestone of the ?Limitless Vessel? attained. Do you wish to perform your first Limit Refinement??

 Chapter 37 - Limitless Refinement

    ----

    "The first Limit Refinement?" Lucian parroted with a dubious expression. For the most part, this was an unfamiliar term. However, his attention was soon stolen by the oppressed Knolls. A small chuckle escaped his lips as he viewed the rapid reversal in positions.

    ''Just moments ago...I was nearly defenseless and pretty much in that exact position. Though it pays to be way, I''m sure this question is inevitable now that I''ve merged with the stone. So, there''s no need for me to second guess over it.''

    "I accept," Lucian uttered after his quick deliberation.

    ?It will exhaust 19 Accumulated Destinies to perform the first Limit Refinement? Is this action permitted??

    "Only 19? I possess 21 of them, so why didn''t they exhaust all of them?"

    ?As the wielder of the ?Limitless Vessel? only the strongest of Refinements are permitted. A Limit Refinement will only be possible once your Destiny Accumulations have reached their strongest state. Until then, the stone will remain in a state of inactivity.?

    Lucian was utterly shocked when he read this alert before his eyes. It was gradual, but the stipulation of these words ultimately dawned upon him. With widened eyes, Lucian''s mind became an utter mess.

    ''Is this stone essentially a way to mass reproduce the effects of Refinements?! Just like the Fractal Pillar, this stone uses the Accumulated Destinies, except the stone consumes them whereas the pillar only verifies their presence. Interesting. Perhaps I can find a way to exploit this,'' Lucian thought.

    Afterward, he allowed the Limit Refinement to commence.

    A vibrant pillar, much stronger than the typical Normal Fractal Pillar appeared. Its presence was brief, but it accomplished an appalling amount of tasks in that short amount of time.

    First and foremost, Lucian''s status screen underwent a shocking change, causing even Lucian to be baffled by them.

    ...

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

    Fractal Rating: D- (C+)

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 185/185 (3.05 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D

    ?Agility: D-

    ?Endurance: E+

    ?Dexterity: D

    ?Vitality: E+

    ?Perception: D+

    ?Spirit: D

    ?Wisdom: D

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 35.0

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

    ?Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

    ?Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    "So...this is the effect of merging with such an item. The fact that I hold 4 abilities is mind-boggling, not to mention 2 traits. Those should be passive abilities, which don''t require Mana to activate based on Vohr''s description. Wait, if that''s the case. Then what is my original ability?" Lucian wondered while he stared at his status screen in awe.

    The power coursing through his body was exhilarating. No matter how much he opened and clenched his fist, he couldn''t wrap his mind around his current state. However, once again, a voice seeming to radiate from the Limitless Stone entered his mind.

    ?Your original ability is an enhanced version of Hypervigilance. It is unique amongst even the higher races. Furthermore, your second natural ability is Amplification¡ªan extremely upgraded form of Reinforce. But, as we recreated it, it is far from its zenith.?

    Lucian digested the information before hovering his hand above the abilities to gain an understanding of each one.

    ¡¸?Limitless? - (??? Rank Trait)

    Passive Ability

    The trait of limitless potential granted to one of an enervated body. After being reinvigorated by the ?Limitless Stone?, the user is granted the ability known as the ?Limitless Vessel? allowing them to harness the immeasurable strength of the universal power, Fractal Force.¡¹

    ¡¸?Hypervigilance? - (SS Rank Trait)

    Passive Ability

    Grants you the ability to overclock your perception and utilize it to escape the predetermined boundaries of your Perception attribute. As the mind is the gateway to perceiving everything, your vigilance is tasked with seeing all that appears to be hidden. The parameters of this ability are determined by using your base Perception attribute as a reference.¡¹

    ¡¸?Manifestation? - (D+ Rank Ability)

    Using your mind grants you unparalleled creative abilities. As long as you can form the mental image in your mind and it is within your boundaries, then the power of creation is at your whim. This skill grants the passive ability [Creation Rift]. The creation''s solidity is based on the current Perception, Wisdom, and Spirit attributes.

    Limitation: Allowed to create up to Tier 3 items if the situation allows it.

    Consumption: 1/10th of your Mana Quotient.

    *This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.¡¹

    ¡¸?Duplication? - (D+ Rank Ability)

    By analyzing what before your eyes and possessing Hypervigilance, you have gained the ability to copy any ability in your presence. This ability grants the technique [Perfect Return]. The current duplication limit is determined by the rank of this ability.

    Current Limit: 4 Duplicated Abilities (Maximum: D+ Rank)

    Consumption: ? of Mana Quotient per initial duplication.

    *This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.¡¹

    ¡¸ ?Amplification?-(D+ Rank Ability)

    This allows the user to amplify both the internal and external components. This ability can also be used in conjunction with other abilities to create unknown results. Grants the techniques of [Mana Reinforcing] and [Limit Release]. However, Limit Release comes with its own drawbacks.

    Limitation: [Limit Release] 3 usages per day (Duration: 10 seconds per usage.)

    Consumption: Each consecutive use results increased consumption: 10, 25, & 50% of MQ.

    *This skill is capable of growth through Limit Refinement.¡¹

    Finally, Lucian''s attention settled on Assimilation, yet no matter what he did, the information surrounding this ability remained blank. Meanwhile, the Knolls regained control and slipped down the wall while looking at Lucian with threatening expressions.

    In response, Lucian merely blinked before glancing at his daggers on the ground. He also panned his gaze to his bow and quiver containing 7 arrows.

    While there were only 7 arrows left, there were still over 31 Knolls for him to eliminate. As a result, Lucian prepared himself.

    ?Alert: Endurance: E+ ¡ú D-. [2 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Vitality: E+ ¡ú D-. [2 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    With his body now brimming with strength, Lucian performed an explosive step as he blitzed forth and swept up his daggers. He didn''t think twice before hurtling them at an astonishing speed.

    Pucht!

    The daggers pierced two of the Knoll''s skulls and still possessed enough force to drag them back, ultimately impaling them into the wall. Shockingly, despite ranking up, Lucian''s point value wasn''t disturbed at all!

    ?Alert: You have killed a Knoll (E Rank) [Reward: 0.8 points]?

    ''This must have something to do with the string of error messages. Perhaps the monolith isn''t aware of this stone''s presence, nor of my power,'' Lucian surmised before reclaiming his bow and quiver.

    Compared to before, now that his Hypervigilance ability was active, Lucian detected the pattern in these lowly monster''s behavior with ease.

    ''I wonder¡­''

    An urge assailed Lucian, and he moved to act upon it as he nocked three arrows side by side. At the same time, he activated one of his abilities. A stupendous amount of Mana amplified the previously crude arrows as Lucian pooled 10 units of pure Mana into each of the arrows.

    A faint silver energy appeared around their arrowheads before Lucian released them. The Knoll''s pupils constricted to needles as they gazed upon the virtually teleporting arrow. Since his strength experience a substantial increase, the Knoll''s advantage in attributes was offset.

    In fact, Lucian''s strength now triumphed over theirs, leading to their current predicament. Their reaction speed failed to cope with the velocity of his arrows. Not to mention, due to the special property added by the silver Mana, the arrow curved and advanced towards its next target after piercing the prior one.

    Of course, part of this was only possible because the unintelligent creatures were standing in proximity to one another. So, before the arrow lost momentum, it didn''t need to travel far to pierce its next victim.

    Meanwhile, Lucian retrieved his dagger from the Knoll''s skull and flung it to rid the weapon of the bloodstains.

    While performing this action, Lucian''s crimson eyes gleamed with vigilance as he scoured the battlefield to create an optimal path.

    ''I''ve found it,'' Lucian thought. He then charged forward without hesitating. Once he demolished one Knoll, he used its body as a weapon to topple the others. It was a brutal display of strength precipitated by his prior lack of power.

    It was a state he needed to familiarize himself with.

    ----

    Meanwhile, Matthias and the others stood above the dead carcass of the Knoll Chieftain with an exhausted expression. However, there was still a hint of glee buried within the depths of their eyes.

    After all, they had cleared the first floor of the monolith! This mirth was apparent in all except Cezar, who rested his back against the wall while gazing down the boss corridor.

    ''I hope you pull through, little buddy. If so, I''ll inform you of the travesty that took place,'' Cezar thought before watching the others exit through an appearing portal.

 Chapter 38 - First Floor Completion

    ----

    "It''s finally over," Elliot said with a sigh of relief afterward. The fight against the Knoll Chieftain was his most stressful fight to date. Because of its obscene attack power, Elliot was unable to fulfill the bonus task. He suffered entirely too much damage to even become a candidate for it.

    Meanwhile, as ranged fighters, both Elaine and Matthias accomplished the task beautifully. While they were forced to consume recovery potions for the first time, neither of them suffered any damage from the Knoll Chieftain''s attacks.

    However, Cezar was even more well off. Though his contribution was minimal, he still gained the largest portion of points rewarded. It might seem odd under normal circumstances, but what Cezar did wasn''t normal.

    His attributes momentarily skyrocketed after stimulating his partial beast transformation, but that was far from all he did. Once the transformation was complete, Cezar coupled it with his other ability, aptly named Wild Fang.

    The Wild Fang ability enabled the consumption of Mana in exchange for special weapons resembling two large fangs of a sabertooth tiger. The penetration power it rewarded was immense, and this is precisely what Cezar used to snipe that remaining fraction of the Knoll Chieftain''s health.

    Hence, the gaping hole in the middle of the Chieftain''s chest.

    Though it wasn''t an agreed-upon action, Matthias was familiar with Cezar''s temper. It was essentially impossible to influence his decision once he set his mind on a determined goal.

    Likewise, Matthias was also adamant in his standing. He paused before entering the portal and turned towards Cezar.

    "Are you tagging along or not? You should''ve gotten all of that residual nonsense out of your system with that last act. If not, then perhaps you should search for other means to climb the tower. You might be essential but I won''t tolerate this behavior."

    Cezar merely glared at Matthias as he talked to him. As a result, Elaine had no choice but to intervene. She walked up beside Cezar and whispered to him.

    "Cezar, come on. Are you willing to sacrifice years of friendship for this one instance? Is that boy worth it? Odds are he''s dead by now. You heard what Priscilla said, the room was filled with Knolls."

    Although those words possessed a bitter truth, Cezar refused to believe it. Furthermore, the identity of the victim wasn''t the part that infuriated Cezar, it was the principle behind their deployed actions. Instead of viewing it from Lucian or Matthias''s perspective, he took it a step further.

    His mind was thinking of a third possibility!

    ''What if I was to become useless one day? Then I''d be seen as nothing more than a sacrificial pawn, right? The same way the Original Guardians sacrificed most of their own to gain power. Some of us suffered greatly because of that,'' Cezar thought with tightly clenched fists.

    See, his worries weren''t solely about Lucian, they were more so directed towards the instilled teachings of the Guardian Corps. The weak were sacrificial, and the strong were victorious. In other words, their modus operandi was "Might is right."

    Though, what happens when that so-called might vanishes? What is right then?

    After giving all of this some thought, Cezar shook his head. "I''m sorry, Elaine. I think I''m through. Not everyone deserves to be sacrificed. Sometimes it''s worthwhile to weigh your decisions lest it shrouds the future in darkness."

    A frown crept upon Elaine''s countenance as she sighed shortly after. Truth be told, she held some gripes with the methods used as well, but she wasn''t willing to suffer punishment from anyone above. Thus, she swallowed her opinion.

    "You know these actions will cause a stir back at the junior headquarters. It may even go up the chain and start to involve our parents. What will you say if your father gets involved? He was the strongest advocate for invoking their Alpha Authority," Elaine responded.

    "It''s just something I''ll have to deal with because oftentimes the greater good isn''t necessarily good," Cezar answered with a resolute expression. His firm gaze displayed no room for negotiations.

    Apart from distancing himself, he wasn''t against climbing the towers. So, as long as he could support his argument, he wasn''t looking at any severe punishment.

    "Okay," Elaine nodded before placing a hand on his shoulder. It was for an instant, but her usual cold expression softened, "Just be safe and understand what you''re doing."

    Cezar gave a nod and watched as they disappeared into the portal one by one.

    ¡­

    Zworp!

    Matthias and the others appeared on the other side of the portal. Unlike before, where they were placed inside the Proximal Space, just like Overseer Vohr warned, they arrived in an unfamiliar place. It was known as the Echelon Lounge.

    It was a shared space within the Fractured Monolith, and it was in essence a hub for Guardians to gather. It possessed several floors, which were each labeled by their respective authority ranking.

    Needless to say, the lowest and least luxurious was the Delta Echelon Lounge. Yet even at the lowest level it was still adequately furnished. In fact, it was similar to the waiting area of a continental hotel. It possessed a bar to grab specialized refreshments, comfortable lounge chairs with mana injection properties, and lastly a board.

    It was a recruitment board, enabling Guardians who graduated from the Delta Echelon to extend a warm welcome to the newcomers. After all, most of the Guardians above started to assemble in groups known as guilds. Once officiated, the Fractured Monolith gave special properties to the real world.

    In essence, the Guardian Corps was just an enormous collection of minor guilds with the higher-ups staffed by powerful Guilds. Meanwhile, the Republic and Federation were a singular guild brought together by a Head, whom of which possessed obscene power.

    A few groups caught the eye of Matthias as soon as they touched down. ''So they cleared it far faster than we did. Just how strong are those who experience an Extraordinary Refinement?'' He wondered.

    Less than 1% of the population achieved this type of Refinement so the examples to use for reference were limited. They were a rarity even amongst the Guardian Corp''s privileged bunch.

    All of a sudden, a ripple took place. A rift opened on that spot and Overseer Vohr walked. Wearing the same outfit, he greeted them all, "Congratulations, on clearing the first floor. As promised, here are the rewards."

    Overseer Vohr swiped his hand, causing a notification to appear within everyone''s view. However, Matthias and the others frowned. The others seemed delighted with their rewards, yet they didn''t receive an alert window.

    "I believe there is any issue, Overseer. We didn''t receive an alert despite clearing the floor," Matthias voiced. However, Overseer Vohr gave him a cryptic smile.

    "Hoh? Did you? Two of your teammates aren''t here. I can''t distribute your rewards until they arrive. It''d be a different story if they died inside because you''d receive your rewards upon arrival. So, just wait patiently for them to return," Overseer Vohr responded.

    Meanwhile, Priscilla''s eyes widened with shock. ''A-Alive?! How the hell is he alive? We were engaged in the boss battle for over 15 minutes. If I include the travel time, then there''s simply no way he could''ve survived.''

    "Tch, I should''ve dragged him out of there myself," Matthias grumbled. If he could, he would go back, but it was impossible. The portal was a one-way creation, so it couldn''t reopen from this side upon initial closure.

    It would only reopen once a new person came through.

    "That isn''t the issue. You should be asking why and how is that other one alive? This doesn''t make any sense," Priscilla exclaimed. Although she wasn''t daunted by Lucian''s retaliation, she wasn''t sure if the Fractured Monolith''s staff were capable of administering punishment.

    What if Lucian took this issue up above?

    "Relax, that''s not really a problem. If that were the case, would those outlaw guilds even be allowed to exist? Those hedonistic fools kill for pleasure," Matthias answered. His words reminded Priscilla of those people, allowing her anxiety to subside.

    But, perhaps she did so far too early.

    ¡­

    Tap! Tap! Tap!

    The sounds of footsteps resounded in the corridor of the boss'' room. Each noise caused Cezar''s ear to twitch followed by a change of expression. "What the hell is this odd smell?"

    "You''re still here? I didn''t expect you to be. Why didn''t you go on and follow your friends?"

    Lucian''s callous voice resonated throughout the room as he soon appeared. When his shocking change came into view, Cezar could only gape in astonishment.

    "Who the fuck are you?!"

 Chapter 39 - Morphed Appearance

    ----

    Lucian chuckled in response to Cezar''s exaggerated response. However, this was his personality so Lucian expected as much, but not for the reasons running through Cezar''s mind. As he had no access to a reflective surface, Lucian had no way of knowing the exact changes his body went through.

    Save for the apparent change in his Mana purity, he wasn''t aware that his hair grew slightly while also turning into an alluring silver color capable of reflecting the light emissions from Mana. With that being said, he also wasn''t aware of his crimson eyes looking to be a mix of pristine rubies and sanguine blood drops.

    But there were some things he was immediately aware of. For example, his battle suit had grown tight due to the sudden increase in his Strength attribute. At the same time, his skin and muscles also itched all over while his bones ached temporarily, symbolizing the inevitable upgrade they would soon experience.

    The Limit Refinement tweaking his vessel produced all of these changes. While the attributes played a small role, the majority of the blame rested upon the Limit Refinement''s shoulder.

    Unlike a normal Refinement, which only identified the latent potential of a Guardian''s doppelgangers and applied it to one body, the Limit Refinement was a forceful tool.

    It forcefully upgraded the vessel to a level possessing a new limit by exhausting the acquired Destiny Accumulations. After experiencing this, Lucian understood how much of a godly tool this stone was.

    Its operation escaped the limitations placed by the Fractured Monolith! Though the destinies were extremely important in the future, the sacrifice for power was more than enough to quell Lucian''s present skepticism.

    By the time Lucian finished analyzing Cezar''s reaction, there was already a slightly tense atmosphere between them.

    "There was only one other person to join you all on this floor attempt. Who else would I be?" Lucian replied before turning his attention to the boss'' dead carcass followed by the rippling portal atop its body.

    "So this was your plan along? To reduce the number of parties receiving the points to augment your own?" Lucian questioned after a small observation. The Monolith''s reward system was quite obvious, requiring the involved Guardians to deal at least 1 hit to the body or take part in the monster''s defeat to receive a portion of the point pool.

    Lucian''s calm evaluation shocked Cezar for a moment. If the roles were reversed, he didn''t know if he''d be able to keep his composure. Nevertheless, he needed to clear up the misunderstanding. For some odd reason, he could sense a dangerous and almost devouring change in Lucian.

    "No, it wasn''t my idea nor intention. I was against it before it became known. I even withheld information they could abuse. Unfortunately, Matthias'' mental acuity is one of his strongest traits. He was able to deduce them even after going to lengths to hide my discoveries," Cezar answered truthfully.

    It was sudden, but Cezar also raised his forearm to Lucian.

    ?Alert! Guardian Cezar Raiesh wishes to perform an Enhancement Point Transfer. Do you accept? [Y/N]??

    Lucian was initially taken aback by Cezar''s actions. First, he didn''t know such a feature existed on this interface. Even after scouring the display, there were no signs of this feature existing. However, Cezar''s knowledge didn''t come from the Overseer.

    It originated from the members of the Guardian Corps. After all, every Guild possessed something known as mules. They were mostly composed of Guardians willing to retain E and F Rank strength. They then used their points as a funnel to augment their higher-ups.

    Since this was a job, every mule was recompensed with a flat conversion rate. Each point was equivalent to obtaining 10 Credits. Since the higher upgrades required an astronomical amount of points, the exchange couldn''t be set too high.

    If it was, then it would cause a disturbance in the established economy. If the weak were able to amass a shocking amount of wealth, the Federation would move to inspect their actions.

    Although their authority of Guardians was minimal, they still weren''t a force to be trifled with.

    "I appreciate the gesture, but I''ll have to decline the generous offer. I''d rather not accept any offers from you all," Lucian responded before breezing past Cezar. However, Cezar couldn''t accept being blamed for something he didn''t commit.

    "Wait, these are their actions. Why am I being lumped together? Priscilla and Matthias are to blame!" Cezar exclaimed.

    Lucian stopped and looked back towards Cezar before looking at his hand. Gradually, his gaze rose to his chest. Shockingly, Lucian could see his heartbeat. It wasn''t erratic nor was it out of rhythm, signifying Cezar''s words were the truth.

    It was a minor side effect of his Hypervigilance, but Lucian could now glean the signs underneath layers of obstructing materials. As a result, a message appeared before Lucian''s eyes.

    ?Due to your elementary use of Hypervigilance, you have unlocked the related ability [Analyzation].?

    ''Analyzation, huh? I''ll spare time to familiarize myself with that later. Now that I know it''s possible to trade points, I''ll search for a way to make this benefit me. I''ve received a new awakening, so it isn''t the time to squander it.''

    Meanwhile, Lucian finally spoke after his lengthy pause causing Cezar to release the breath he subconsciously held.

    "I know and I understand that, but even if you weren''t a part of it, the others were. And I''m sure you possess a good relation with them. Not to mention, you and I don''t possess any type of attachment, so there is no need to feel any guilt over this situation," Lucian answered.

    "I know we don''t but still." Cezar hesitated before digesting Lucian''s words. He then continued after a short while. "Truth be told, the others weren''t aware, but they also didn''t speak up and compliance is just as bad as involving themselves in the process. They''ve essentially become accessories to an atrocity so I understand your feelings," Cezar sighed.

    Afterward, he released his grip on Lucian''s arm.

    "If fate wills it, perhaps we''ll be able to reconcile later. In the meantime, I believe it''s time we leave. Nothing remains here to draw our attention."

    Without pause, Lucian advanced towards the portal before sparing this lair another glance, ''This place marked my death, but it also gave me my new beginning. Therefore, I don''t resent this place.''

    Zworp!

    The portal activated twice before disappearing without a trace.

    An instant passed and both Lucian and Cezar appeared through the portal. However, while the others were focused on Cezar''s reappearance, they overlooked the existence currently walking towards Overseer Vohr''s location.

    "Overseer Vohr," Lucian beckoned.

    Hearing his name, Overseer Vohr turned towards the origin of the voice and was pleasantly surprised. "Boy...just what happened to you? I lost all signal with the room that held you. Had not for your signal recovering moments later, I''d think that you perished under the actions of your cruel teammates."

    "Perhaps I was," Lucian responded with an indifferent shrug. Afterward, Overseer Vohr snapped his finger, which allowed this entire party to receive their previously withheld rewards.

    ¡¸You have received the following rewards:

    +5% Authority

    300 Merge Tokens

    5 Enhancement Points

    0.8 Destiny Accumulations

    *No multiplier or bonus reward has been obtained due to registered damage.¡¹

    Lucian didn''t fret with the rewards because he expected as much. He probably acquired the largest amount of damage amongst any of the teams. But, this issue was soon pushed to the back of his mind as Overseer Vohr continued to question him.

    "Tell me, did you experience some type of second awakening? It''s nearly impossible for it to happen without the help of a transcendental item, but those don''t exist on this level," Overseer Vohr questioned.

    After pulling up his information and seeing the new collection of stats, Vohr was surprised. It wasn''t enough to warrant suspicion, however; he was now strong enough to venture to the floors beyond.

    "Despair is a special catalyst. Sometimes we find our will to fight on through the threat of death," Lucian finally.

    Finally, Elaine glanced between Cezar and the person standing nearby.

    "Who...is that?"

    The entire party''s attention was attracted to Lucian because of her question. They couldn''t tell either. Not only did the person possess an enigmatic aura, they were unfamiliar with this side profile.

 Chapter 40 - Ill Accept The Offer

    ----

    "I''m not quite sure who that is," Matthias answered. Even after using his ability to inspect them, he was unable to glean any of their attributes, or basic information, for that matter.

    ''That''s odd, only the Extraordinary can escape the grasp of my Supersensitivity. I should be able to distinguish the general level of his abilities. Just who is that?'' Matthias wondered.

    "Wait...isn''t that him¡­" Priscilla muttered while gazing at the side of Lucian''s face. Although his change altered some of his features, she wouldn''t forget the angle of that sharp jawline screaming in despair. She received a vivid image of it when Lucian shifted his gaze between her and the Knolls.

    "Are you saying that''s that fragile boy? No way, I don''t believe it," Elliot responded. He couldn''t accept that these were the same people. The physique of this youth was now comparable to Cezar when he first entered the tutorial.

    It was mind-boggling and nearly impossible to think about.

    "No, it''s him! I know it. That''s him. I think he arrived alongside Cezar. His presence is just so thin no one noticed. What the hell? Is he some type of ghost? Look at that hair," Priscilla remarked.

    All of a sudden, Lucian felt the gaze upon him and turned towards the party. As soon as that happened, his and Priscilla''s eyes met. It was only for an instant, but Priscilla felt her chest tighten as she gazed into his crimson eyes.

    While there wasn''t any animosity present in his eyes, Priscilla felt as if her entire being had been looked through. It was a sensation she only felt once before, back during the time of her initial Awakening. The apparatus used felt as if all of her secrets were laid bare.

    However, that sensation produced the most thorough awakening possible for humanity. After all, the Guardian Corps possessed knowledge directly obtained from the Fractured Monolith''s extensive compilation of universal knowledge.

    Even knowledge pertaining to spatial technology wasn''t farfetched. However, such information required an exorbitant price and, for its current use, it wasn''t worth it to exhaust all of their resources on this single matter.

    Eventually, Lucian moved his gaze away from the others and returned to conversing with the Overseer Vohr. For the most part, he was interested in uncovering the events that took place during the lapse in surveillance.

    However, Lucian avoided a proper answer.

    "I was unconscious for most of the event. All I know is that I felt a spark in my inner being and took a grasp of it. It allowed me to come across my hidden power. Although it''s not the strongest, it will suffice. I don''t need to remain the vulnerable child I once was," Lucian responded.

    Since there was no fluctuation in Lucian''s body language, Overseer Vohr could not sense any discrepancies in his stories.

    "I see. It is true that you''re definitely much stronger than before. To jump 3 ranks in potential is quite surprising. At the very least, you''ll be able to enter the Beta Echelon," Overseer Vohr commented before rubbing his chin in thought.

    ''It seems something is on this youth''s mind. Why does it feel like his attention is elsewhere?''

    "Vohr, I''m sure you recall your offer, right? As well as being aware of the situation in my team," Lucian said suddenly, allowing Overseer Vohr to understand the reason behind his current attitude.

    "Of course I remember. If my memory were so decrepit, how would I retain my current position?" Overseer Vohr chuckled before continuing. "Do you wish to change your team now? I have come across a team who has unfortunately lost one of their partners to the second floor."

    "Before that, how would you judge their personalities?" Lucian inquired. He wasn''t hasty in his decision because he didn''t wish to enter the same predicament once again. Being inside Matthias'' team was an educational experience. So, his first instinct was to compile information on these potential teammates with the help of Overseer Vohr''s authority.

    Regrettably, Overseer Vohr seemed troubled over this request. "It''s not that I can''t help. This service requires a mandatory fee. If not, I''ll receive questioning for not remaining impartial."

    "That''s no issue. What is the payment; Enhancement Points or Merge Tokens?" Lucian asked. This question drew Overseer Vohr''s surprise as Lucian''s guesses left Accumulated Destinies completely out of the equation.

    "Why didn''t you assume the price was destinies?"

    "Because the role they play is too large to be sacrificed over this inconsequential request. So, it should be the more easily procured Merge Token or Enhancement Points to comprise the fee," Lucian answered truthfully.

    After hearing this logic, Overseer Vohr didn''t know if he should laugh or cry. ''He''s become sharper after whatever he''s experienced. Is this the mental acuity that was hidden under his previous circumstance? If he continues to grow at a steady rate, he''ll eventually become a frightening existence.''

    All of the sudden, Lucian posed another question, "On what premise do you Overseers receive promotions?"

    "Hm? It depends on the state of our batch. If they shatter records on timed floors, rank up with unprecedented speed, or fulfill certain milestones; all of this contributes to our evaluation for promotion. As for the price of your request, I''ll settle for 65 Merge Tokens."

    Lucian nodded whilst holding out his unbent forearm. He then raised a palm until his arm was bent at a 90¡ã angle with his palm facing away from his body. A digital meter appeared before his eyes and the number on it continued to rise in accordance with his palm. Soon, the number 65 lingered before his eyes.

    With a snap of his finger, Overseer Vohr accepted the payment and transmitted the desired information to Lucian. According to what he received, this team struggled for quite some time and was part of the preceding batch to be summoned.

    Once he analyzed their information completely, Lucian nodded with a pleased expression. ''This is only a brief summary. If they experience enough trouble, then there may be a possibility that they''ve changed accordingly. Nevertheless, they''re better than what I have now.

    "If they''re willing to accept me, then I will accept the offer generously given to me," Lucian answered.

    Overseer Vohr gestured to convey his understanding before motioning his hands many times over. After a few seconds, the notification of party member removal appeared within Matthias'' and the other''s eyes, verifying Lucian''s identity.

    "So he left," Matthias nodded but kept a complex expression. ''I''m not sure if I should see it as a smart move or the prelude to his vengeance. Nevertheless, a vacant spot works in our favor. As long as the new member is useful there should be no problems.''

    Meanwhile, Overseer Vohr asked Lucian a question that made him ponder the usefulness of it for quite some time. "Do you wish to announce how they''ve treated you within the party?"

    "No, there''s no need to be so petty. Besides, I''m fairly certain everyone would have agreed with their actions. Don''t you recall how I was previously tossed aside? Why would my well-being matter? I have a better route in mind to handle this situation. But, there''s a more important question. How would you like to rise through the ranks?"

    A glimmer of light shone in Lucian''s eyes before a translucent dome erected around him and Vohr. It was a draining action to keep it active, but Lucian felt his new few inquiries were worth it.

    On the other hand, this display of Lucian''s abilities shocked Vohr. Though the shock threw off his estimation, it wasn''t entirely incorrect.

    "This is a new level of reinforcing. Melding the Mana particles together to create an obstructive barrier? Interesting. Though, some of the logic injection seems to be off," Overseer Vohr commented.

    "The best I can claim to be is a novice. It''ll take some getting used to before I can become adept with minute Mana usage. Now tell me, would you like to form a kind of deal? I''ve received your favor, and I''d like to return it in some way as I move forward. So I think we can enter a mutually beneficial relationship."

    Overseer Vohr was stunned because the confidence displayed by Lucian was shocking. As he looked up, he now understood the reason for the barrier and its odd logic. Shockingly, it was blocking out surveillance signals.

    "What do you have in mind?"

    "Nothing major, just satisfying the conditions to earn your promotion. In return, I''d like for you to, let''s say, fool the system when it comes to my requests. I have promises to fulfill so I can''t afford to fail. What do you say?"

    "Gamble with you?" Overseer Vohr paused before taking off his mask to present his eerily handsome but oddly menacing face. Furthermore, he carried a faint smile. "I''ll be glad to accept the offer, after all, some of us Demonborne like gambling the most," Vohr said with a bow.

 Chapter 41 - A Few Choices

    ----

    "A Demonborne? So you hail from some sort of demon race? Are you embroiled in this so-called upcoming battle as well?" Lucian questioned. Though Vohr''s answer pleased Lucian, he was more so interested in the fact Vohr revealed his appearance and race to him.

    "Correct. If we are to gamble with one another, I must be able to confide in you and so should you. Furthermore, don''t take what is written about demons in your worldly text as canon. Until you experience them for yourself, keep your mind open to different possibilities. Remember, a closed mind can hinder your future," Overseer Vohr answered with a faint warning.

    However, his words rang truer than he realized.

    "Precisely, I can''t afford to be close-minded," Lucian smirked faintly before thinking to himself, ''After all, my abilities depend solely upon my imagination. If I inhibit my mind, how would it be able to blossom? I''d be essentially shooting myself in the foot.''

    Afterward, Overseer Vohr put his mask back on and suggested for Lucian to release the barrier. If their presence was away from the surveillance of the higher authority Overseers and their superiors, then it''d arouse suspicion.

    In response, the barrier dissipated gradually once Lucian relinquished his control over it. Once they reappeared on their spot, the clicking of heels followed by heavy steps were heard as a few individuals approached.

    "Overseer Vohr," A deep voice called out. Faint tremors seemed to appear as the voice blasted the atmosphere despite the owner''s lack of action.

    "How may I help you, Mr. Geralt Andreas?" Overseer Vohr answered respectfully. After all, this male with a sturdy figure was one of the eight Extraordinary Guardians. He was shockingly large, standing over two meters. Yet despite his frame, he possessed features women would swoon over.

    Composed silver eyes, long black hair extending down his back and a chiseled angular jaw to match his robust physique. Before answering Vohr''s question, Geralt looked directly into Lucian''s eyes.

    "A commendable confidence. Keep your head held high and you''ll advance far. I wish my last follower had the same confidence you exude. Nevertheless, I don''t believe our paths are meant to cross, so I''ll leave you be," Geralt said before shifting his gaze behind Lucian.

    A faint smile appeared on his face, but it failed to affect the incoming individual.

    "No matter how much you try to woo me with that amiable smile of yours, it won''t work. You''re better off chasing the skirt of that other bimbo. Oh, my mistake. I meant to say to you should only focus on her and not spread your attention too thin," A frigid voice containing a playful undertone sounded not far away.

    Lucian didn''t turn around because he remembered the owner of the voice well. While he wasn''t one to drool over beauty since he was removed from society since young, she more than deserved a second look. Regrettably, he didn''t do so lest he evoked the wrath of her suitors or even her beguiled fans.

    Fandom led to some shocking events in the past, especially so for famous superstars. Even murders weren''t outside the scope of consequential actions resulting from misconduct towards the subject of their idolatry.

    "Ahem, no need to bicker. What brings you two here?" Overseer Vohr said with clasped hands, intervening before any conflict appeared. The last thing he wanted was for two such figures to clash and caused unthinkable damage to the lounge.

    "We''ll like to enter the second floor as soon as possible. This is no reason for us to dawdle in this area of respite. We have things to accomplish and the Delta Echelon is only limiting us," Geralt revealed.

    From Aurora''s expression, it seemed she came with the same thought in mind.

    "Ah, so I guess you deny the opportunity to return to home for the time being then? As you know, now that you''ve completed the first floor, your ability to enter and exit the Monolith at your will is now operational," Overseer Vohr answered.

    Both of them shook their heads as they were well aware of this fact.

    "Very well. For future reference, my presence isn''t needed to access the next floor. Only when attempting to solve the 5th floor do I have to be present. Otherwise, just walk to the grand gates over there and the system will register your current progress immediately."

    Upon receiving this information, both Geralt and Aurora glanced in its direction before advancing towards it. However, Aurora turned back and inspected Lucian closely before touching a lock of his hair, "I don''t remember this being your natural color. It resembles my color, but I believe I like yours more. Take care of it."

    Before waiting for a response, Aurora already disappeared with a light gust of wind. It seemed one of her abilities was in fact teleportation. Compared to super-speed, this was a much more daunting ability to go up against.

    Meanwhile, Aurora''s action baffled a few because it was bizarre. If they weren''t familiar with her attraction to unblemished things, they would have thought something was amiss.

    When the coast was clear, Overseer Vohr chuckled lightly, "I guess the saying is true. Power is accompanied by some odd preferences. Despite the abundance of adequate males in her circle, she only focuses on two things, pristine items and acquiring the insurmountable power to survive."

    "Does she possess a family with power back in my world?" Lucian questioned. Based on her etiquette it was hard to tell whether she received training in this department or not. It was almost as if she was unfettered, not chained down by the views of the socialite circle.

    "No. She is one of the 4 anomalies to appear. As far I as know, the information linked to her existence lists her as an orphan. But, she was adopted by the leader of something called the Federation if that means anything."

    Lucian''s expression became one of interest, ''An orphan, but now the belle of the Federation? Interesting, I wonder how the leader realized her potential before it blossomed. Though fascinating, this isn''t something I should be worried about.''

    "What about you? Do you wish to continue or would you like to return home?"

    "No, before that, I have a question. Is there a conversion system in place for Merge Tokens? Is it possible to turn it into currency for my world?"

    "Are you sure that is something you want to do? I don''t think your currency holds a candle to the worth of Merge Tokens. If you exchange them, you''ll never have enough to gear yourself sufficiently."

    Lucian''s expression lightened into a faint smile, "So that''s a yes then. How steep is the ratio?"

    It seemed as if Overseer Vohr was reluctant to answer, but he had to regardless. "A single Merge Token is equivalent to 1,000 Credits of your current currency."

    ''So approximately 900,000 Credits exist within my hand. If I wish to reach my goal, it''ll require at least 100,000 Merge Tokens¡­ What a frightening number,'' Lucian thought, only to sigh soon after.

    After deducting the cost of everything¡ªhis requests, the additional arrows, all of his gear¡ªLucian was left with 900 Merge Tokens. If he relied solely on the rewards, it would take forever to gather the needed amount.

    Thus, Lucian revisited his two options¡ªclimbing higher and visiting the anomaly rifts. The latter was the sealed information that only appeared after receiving his first Limit Refinement. It seemed the Monolith wasn''t the only result of the Priming.

    But, until he came in contact with one, Lucian pushed this knowledge to the back of his mind.

    ''I wonder¡­''

    "Are you able to transport my new party here? I wish to continue and attempt the second floor," Lucian asked with a complex expression. Based on what he saw, his new party wasn''t the best, but they were akin to blank slates that could be rewritten if done properly.

    "No need, they''re already here."

    Lucian angled his head towards the two enormous gates and noticed a small crack as a few bruised and battered individual were ejected from inside. The person in the lead appeared to be a middle-aged man causing Lucian to inspect them closely.

    ''I''ll have to use a different method. I doubt an older man would be willing to listen to someone younger than them. I''ll have to first show my usefulness before presenting any demands.''

    "They''ll do," Lucian nodded before walking towards them.

    As they stood inside the area of the Beta Echelon Lounge, their wounds healed at a visible rate, yet they still wore exhausted expressions. Obviously, losing their teammate weighed heavily on their minds as they wore dejected and almost helpless expressions.

 Chapter 42 - An Addition

    ----

    "It''s hopeless. We''ll never get past the second floor. Every other team of our batch has managed to clear it. I guess the first floor erected our hopes and dreams only for the succeeding floor to demolish it," the middle-aged man, ostensibly the leader, sighed.

    His appearance was average except for the odd rhombus-shaped birthmark on his right cheek. Everything else about him conformed to normality. An average height of 5''8, standard features, buzz-cut dark grey hair, and the light masculine stubble that accompanied maturity.

    However, the one to respond was a stark contrast. He was young, yet also on the timid side, as his voice was akin to a whisper when he replied, "No, it''s all my fault. If I were better, this wouldn''t have happened. Jonas would still be here if I managed to heal him in time."

    The conversation grew quiet as everyone reprimanded themselves to shoulder some part of the blame for their current situation. So much so, they failed to realize the incoming footsteps behind them. Naturally, they belonged to Lucian, who sought to introduce himself as quickly as possible.

    Still, Lucian didn''t immediately announce his presence. First, he stood there and listened to their self-blaming statements while rubbing his chin. ''I can understand how they feel. I felt the same way when Doctor Arc revealed Diane and Silas'' conditions. As an older brother, I felt it was my fault for not catching the signs sooner.''

    Similarly, everyone entered a desperate situation during their last floor attempt, wherein each of their safety dangled on by a thread. However, out of the entire party, Jonas rushed forward while disregarding his own well-being.

    While it was a brave sacrifice, it loomed over the minds of these present 7. Eventually, after gaining an understanding of what went down, Lucian announced his presence with a clearing of his throat.

    "Ahem."

    Everyone''s body straightened up. At first, they thought it to be Overseer Vohr, however, judging by the tone it seemed to be incorrect. After turning around, everyone wore odd expressions.

    "Uh, who exactly are you, young friend?" the middle-aged man questioned. Now that Lucian got a closer look at the man, his features seemed to be almost bearish, albeit a small bear.

    "Lucian Salvatore, I''ve been appointed to your party by Overseer Vohr. I don''t mean to intrude nor be insensitive, I just thought it''d be best to introduce myself," Lucian responded while also extending his hand. At the same time, he returned the question. "You?"

    "Olov Breknof," the middle-aged man replied. He also clasped Lucian''s hand before looking to be absolutely shocked. ''Quite strong. But...is he as strong as Jonas? Without an adequate assaulter, it''ll be hard to manage.''

    As they shook hands, Lucian turned his gaze over to the others. Similar to the other party, the composition was 5 males and 2 females. However, the roles seemed to be switched.

    ''Judging by the nature of his Mana, it would seem the diffident boy is indeed their healer. Though, I wish the analysis was more direct. I can''t tell the limit of his healing.''

    Due to Hypervigilance''s branch effect¡ªAnalyzation¡ªLucian was able to distinguish between the orientation of Mana now. Even before being processed by a chosen catalyst, an Awakened or Guardian''s vessel, in this case; Mana possessed an innate color.

    The Mana used for healing possessed a cloudy appearance, similar to thin cotton. However, the milkier or in other words denser it became, the purer it was, which detailed the upper limits of the Guardian''s contained ability.

    Yet, based on what Lucian saw, it seemed to be in a disarray. At the very most, he would estimate the ability to be somewhere around B Rank, but that was just speculation on his part.

    "Wait, you said you were appointed to our party? How is that possible? I never knew that was an option," another party member commented. It was a female possessing shoulder-length black curls along with fitted armor that exposed quite a bit of her supple skin.

    Surprisingly, she didn''t wear the battle suit and chose armor that protected the vital areas yet left the joints unhindered to promote uncompromised fluidity of her actions.

    Furthermore, a 1.2-meter sword of excellent quality dangled from her left hip as she inspected Lucian closely.

    "Ah, I didn''t know either. Apparently, it''s only possible if an Overseer confronts you. Nevertheless, my words are the truth. I have become an addition to this team. I might be a stranger, but I feel as long as we possessed a unified goal, we''ll operate just fine," Lucian answered. Shortly after, he spared her a glance as well.

    The girl gave a faint nod but noticed something different about Lucian''s gaze, ''Some sort of animosity towards or is he just sizing me up to arrange a general feel of this team? Either way, his surrounding air is very...enigmatic.''

    While she was pondering this matter, Lucian continued, "Mind going through the obligatory introductions?" Although he knew their names and even some of their attributes, Lucian didn''t wish to seem like a creep who had spied on him.

    Thus, for appearance''s sake, Lucian acted as if he was oblivious to their information. Since it was a normal occurrence, everyone in the party agreed with his suggestion.

    "Desmond Wynn." The first to answer was a teal-haired boy with a lean build. A number of small projectiles were strapped to his body, leading Lucian to believe he was a ranged fighter. This notion was further solidified by his sharp eyes, reminiscent of an eagle.

    Next, the sword-carrying female answered, "Ahri Valentine."

    Lucian looked into her dignified green eyes and nodded.

    "Quinn Alphonse," the feeble healer responded.

    Afterward, everyone announced their identity at an unhurried pace. By the end of it, Lucian committed their names to memory.

    As the introductions gradually ended, Lucian panned his view between them.

    The last three were Sylvia Starr, Adonis Brooks, and Aeran Drago; each of them possessed adequate equipment in Lucian''s opinion. All that remained was for him to become aware of their abilities and enter the second floor.

    However, Lucian didn''t offer to return to the second floor just yet.

    It''d be far too insensitive for him to do so. In the meantime, he turned his attention towards the Bronze Treasure Orb received from the tutorial completion. ''I''ve been neglecting this, but now that I have time, it''d be best to open this to see what I received.

    ?Alert: You are opening the Bronze Treasure Orb. Do you wish to continue? [Y/N]? [Estimated Items: 2]?

    Lucian verified the opening without another thought. As a result, the orb disintegrated before being replaced by a wheel spinning at rapid speeds. From what Lucian saw, the outcome was based on the Guardian''s timing.

    If their Perception was lacking, then the odds of them choosing a good reward were reduced. However, if it was the reverse, then clearing the floors that rewarded said orbs were akin to small fortuitous encounters!

    In Lucian''s case, he fell somewhere along the middle tier. Although the wheel kept a constant pace with no signs of slowing down, Lucian noticed the sounds of his heartbeat growing prominent. The more he focused, the quicker the wheel slowed.

    However, throbbing pain bombarded his temples after the wheel slowed to a certain degree. After all, his Hypervigilance was similar to overclocking a rig''s CPU. There was a chance of him growing unstable the closer the operation principles moved towards his extreme limits.

    ''This''ll have to do,'' Lucian thought while clutching the side of his head. He then extended to stop the wheel with a convenient gesture.

    Instantly, the system generated the items chosen.

    ?Alert: Congratulations, opening the Bronze Treasure Orb has rewarded 3 items.?

    ¡¸You have received the following items:

    Destiny Accumulations [2]

    Meteorite Knuckles

    Enhancement Voucher (Inferior) [3]¡¹

    For a Bronze orb, this wasn''t a bad draw. The weapon alone was capable of gaining Lucian''s interest. Unlike his other weaponry used until now, this one was a bonafide Tier 2 weapon!

    ¡¸Item Name: Meteorite Knuckles

    Ranking: Tier 2

    Information: Capable of channeling Mana to deliver explosive blows carrying the remnants of a meteorite''s strike. Increase the impacts of your melee attacks by one small enhancement. Created through the merged efforts of a forger and tailor.¡¹

    The image of a knuckle possessing a translucent body with refined black metal plates atop the white seams running through it appeared before Lucian''s eyes. The image disappeared a few moments later only to be replaced by the genuine item.

    Lucian analyzed the knuckles before equipping them. Surprisingly, they conformed to the size of his hands and felt weightless the moment he put them on. Even clenching his hand wasn''t obstructed by the metal plates.

    According to what he saw, Mana gave it a malleable property.

    ''A good weapon, but I don''t possess the ideal qualities to take full advantage of this,'' Lucian thought before glancing at the others.

    Suddenly, Ahri sighed and looked towards Lucian, "I think we''re ready to attempt the floor once again. However, should we fail I think this will be our last run ever."

 Chapter 43 - Achieving Masteries

    ----

    Lucian was shocked by Ahri''s announcement because it seemed he was mistaken about his earlier assumption.

    ''Did I assume the wrong person to be the leader? It would seem this lady is the team''s decision-maker.''

    Nevertheless, Lucian agreed with her. Since he made up his mind to remain in the Fractured Monolith instead of returning home, he needed to make the most of his current situation.

    However, Lucian also wanted to make as many preparations as possible to deal with the upcoming floor and any of its unmentioned mysteries. So he entertained an idea previously pushed to the back of his mind.

    ''Perhaps I should finally browse that area now that I have the chance.''

    With a thought, Lucian opened up the screen linked to the Fractured Monolith shop. Ignoring the equipment section, Lucian''s attention landed directly upon the Knowledge category. He wasn''t able to browse through the collection last time due to Overseer''s Vohr abrupt interference.

    Fortunately, that was no longer the case. After clearing the first floor, he now had full control over his decision to enter and exit the Echelon Lounge. Even the team leader didn''t retain the right to enter the floor without the entire team''s agreement.

    After all, everyone was given a separate confirmation window. If someone denied it to go, there were two choices. Either the entire team stayed idle until the person in mention was ready to go, or they entered without them.

    However, the latter was a rather extreme condition as it created a unique situation in the event of the floor being cleared without the presence of the missing member. The situation could only arise at the time of clearance because the current floors didn''t allow progress to be saved, so failure meant starting over from the beginning.

    But if the team cleared it while down a member, the one left would either have to clear the floor alone to catch up to their teammates, virtually soloing the floor. Now, this option was dreaded because solo clearing a floor meant their attributes needed to far surpass their current floor.

    Except for a few exceptions, that rarely happened.

    The other option was to sacrifice a large portion of Merge Tokens to bypass their current floor. Although some would see this as a wastage, it could be seen differently when viewing it from another angle. After all, bypassing the floor didn''t mean giving up the rewards.

    It was just reminiscent of using the pay-to-win method in some game. Of course, methods were put in place to deter abuse and loopholing. A Guardian was only allowed to use this method three times, and its price was exorbitant, usually 4 times as much as the floor clearance''s token reward.

    Furthermore, this option couldn''t be applied to determining floors.

    In other words, it couldn''t be used on floors such as the 5th, 10th, 20th, so on and so forth. Since they involved an essential experience, the Monolith couldn''t allow this loophole to exist.

    Thus, unless in agreement, most teams wouldn''t go near the lounge''s doorway.

    Meanwhile, Lucian continued to browse through the collection of knowledge. The organization of the interface was pristine because it allowed Lucian to filter knowledge he didn''t have the authority to view, as well as the knowledge unrelated to what he needed.

    Soon enough, the categories before him were two: Techniques and Passive Skills. Although they sounded similar, there was a faint difference between the two.

    Passive skills were in a sense the foundation of a technique. It birthed the ability to derive methods of unique usage. Whereas techniques were those results and limited to a singular application.

    For example, Analyzation only gave Lucian the ability to analyze things. But, if he developed different methods of applying the passive ability in various ways, those would register as techniques.

    Ultimately, Lucian narrowed down his search to Passive Abilities. Since his abilities relied on his ability to create his own methods, he didn''t see the benefit of limiting himself by settling for mere techniques.

    Surely, he could up with his own, tailored to his unique needs.

    After a while, two sets of information resonated with Lucian. Both of them were useful in his current situation.

    One was named Basic Combat Mastery (Melee) while the other was Basic Combat Mastery (Archery). Of course, for their cheap price tag of 500 Merge Tokens, each of them was only basic in the eyes of the Fracture Monolith operators.

    ''I...should get both of them,'' Lucian nodded before using his knowledge voucher on the archery mastery and 500 tokens on the combat mastery.

    An influx of information appeared within his mind in mere moments. Afterward, his fingertips and muscles fibers tingled as the methods related to the two masteries burrowed into the depths of his body. The information appeared to assimilate with his instincts progressively.

    Although the Fractured Monolith viewed this information as basic, Lucian was shocked to find a few secrets related to this information. The techniques were all compiled from this planet''s strongest users. While they weren''t the strongest in terms of martial power, it was a different story for their skill; they were unmatched on their planets.

    "Just like our authority, the low classification must have something to do with our identity as a minor world. Nevertheless, this knowledge received will be put to good use. I no longer have to worry about sub-optimal usage of strength," Lucian murmured to himself.

    This almost made him wonder if anyone in the team picked up these vital types of information. Even if they received proper training, Lucian found it hard to believe that their own skills rivaled ancient masters in the field.

    "Ahri, I have a question, how experienced with the sword are you?"

    "Not very experienced. Why do you ask?" Ahri responded with an odd expression.

    The way Lucian looked at her changed many times prior to giving a small nod, "If you have enough Merge Tokens, I would recommend purchasing the sword mastery."

    "Ah. Unfortunately, I don''t. This Tier 2 weapon cost most of the tokens I gained from the first floor. But, I''ll look into it when I get the chance," Ahri said.

    From her response, Lucian noticed two things. "I don''t think they''ve ever cleared a bonus task nor have they properly managed their equipment."

    If they failed the 2nd floor with the presence of Tier 2 weapons, then the issue didn''t lie in the gear but most likely in their operations. Perhaps they made unnecessary movements which led to unexpected expenditure, Or, their actions just weren''t trained enough.

    Either way, Lucian wouldn''t understand the issue until he experienced it firsthand.

    All of a sudden, Lucian noticed something as he glanced to his side.

    Matthias as well as the others were seen passing by as they advanced towards the gate. However, their expressions seemed rather obscure as they moved forward.

    While unsure if it was intentional or not, Lucian''s eyes met theirs every time they passed by him. However, the gaze he gave Priscilla differed from the rest. His faint grin caused Priscilla to freeze.

    Noticing her odd behavior, Elaine turned back. "Priscilla, what''s wrong?"

    Wordlessly, Priscilla pointed at Lucian with a trembling finger. But, by the time Elaine turned towards Lucian, the glow radiating gruesome intentions disappeared from his eyes to be replaced by indifference.

    "Stop being so frightened. I''ve never seen you come to regret something so much. Just relax and focus on completing the task at hand," Elaine commented. She then leaned closer and whispered underneath her breath, "You don''t wish to be found useless by Matthias, do you?"

    Priscilla''s eyes widened at the question, leaving her to shake her head instinctively. After all, this was quite the possibility if the situation ever appeared.

    Eventually, Priscilla managed to move her focus away from Lucian and enter alongside Elaine.

    "Know them?" Ahri asked while stepping next to Lucian. The way his gaze lingered on their positions drew Ahri to believe there was history. Especially so from the girl''s reaction.

    "Just something of the past, don''t worry about it," Lucian answered. Since they originated from different batches, this current party wasn''t aware of those Elite-class Guardians nor would Lucian clue them in.

    Vengeance was his and his alone to inflict.

    "Give me some information on your chosen floor. What should I expect on the second floor?" Lucian asked. The earlier matter was no longer important to him. Now, he sought to understand the difficulties the team struggled with.

    "The floor is large and we''re expected to complete it within a certain time frame. However, the foes are...hard to deal with. Both fast and strong," Ahri answered with a faint frown.

    "Type?"

    "Wolves, but not just any wolf. Come and see what I mean," Olov interjected. Concurrently, he also rose to his feet.

    In response, Lucian spared Ahri a certain look. Understanding the look, Ahri initiated the process of the floor teleportation.

 Chapter 44 - Second Floors Difficulties

    ----

    With a flash, Lucian appeared inside the confines of the second floor. At a glance, it seemed similar to the tutorial setting; a lush forest area with ample trees and foliage to compliment the view. However, its clustered layout was a distinct difference when compared to the tutorial''s map.

    In comparison, the tutorial setting was many times more spacious and allowed for fewer surprises due to the lacking thickness of the grounded bushes. Unfortunately, the same couldn''t be said about this area.

    Most of the bushes were accompanied by rocks with a smooth platform. It was the perfect component to use as a foothold for jumping, something Lucian noticed almost immediately.

    ''If we don''t move soon, the chance of something jumping out at us skyrockets immensely,'' Lucian thought to himself.

    Although the party seemed somewhat apprehensive, Lucian praised their actions. Each of them promptly readied their equipment. Ahri kept her hand on her sword hilt while Olov removed his shield from his back.

    A few seconds later, the notification for this floor''s objectives appeared.

    ¡¸?Second Floor Objective?

    Objective Name: TO - KAE&BTC

    Information: There may be situations where a Guardian''s spontaneous thinking undergoes a challenge. It is up to you to prevail and make the right choices to ensure your remarkable completion under stressful conditions.

    Details:

    (Main Task)-

    -Clear the floor of all enemies. 0/520 -Incomplete-

    -Clear the floor within 3 hours. -Incomplete-

    -Kill the boss. -Incomplete-

    (Side Task)-

    -Clear the floor with the remaining time averaging above 25%. [Receive the first tier of reward upgrades.] -Optional-

    -Clear the floor with the remaining time averaging above 50%. [Receive the first tier of reward upgrades.] -Optional-

    -Clear the floor within a record time of sub-30 minutes. [Receive the highest tier upgrade along with a special prize.] -Optional-

    Reward(s)-

    - +10% Authority.

    - 650 Merge Tokens.

    - 8 Enhancement Points

    - 1 Destiny Accumulation

    *The different tiers reward a different multiplier. Breaking the record causes the rewards to stack together, bolstering the possibilities to new heights.

    **The special prize isn''t set in stone. Depending on the end timing, the special prize can differ.¡¹

    All of sudden, Desmond''s eyes narrowed as he looked towards the bushes to Lucian''s left. There was only a faint rustle, but he noticed it.

    Pheu!

    Without a moment''s hesitation, Desmond hurtled a projectile, similar to a miniature dagger towards Lucian.

    In a state of calm, Lucian''s pupils moved slowly, following the trajectory of the projectile as it passed over his face.

    Clink!

    The sound of the projectile colliding with a solid surface sounded. Then, a broad wolf with deep red fur appeared. Each of its fangs possessed a faint cerulean tinge, as its claws caused the ground to hiss.

    ¡¸Name: Infernal Dire Wolf

    Ranking: D (Mid)

    Type: Elemental/Physical

    Health: 100%

    Strength: D+ Agility: D+

    Wisdom: D- Dexterity: D¡¹

    Although it was weaker when compared to the Knoll Chieftain, this type of monster was still very strong. After all, two of its attributes were on the brink of evolving!

    Furthermore, based on Lucian''s observations, this wolf successfully deflected Desmond''s attack. Naturally, this meant its claws and fangs weren''t just for show.

    "Are these the enemies you mentioned?" Lucian questioned. The appearance of the wolf made Lucian deepen his scrutiny of Olov''s gear. His shield possessed apparent sighs of sharp marks in addition to mild hints of heat damage.

    Though the progress of each floor was refreshed, it wasn''t the same for the gear used in each attempt. Since the gear wasn''t repaired, it would inevitably end up breaking after a while.

    "Yeah¡­" Olov answered with a grimace.

    Although Olov displayed caution, Lucian didn''t find this wolf to be very intimidating.

    On the contrary, Lucian felt it was the perfect opponent for gaining an understanding of this team''s shortcomings. If they intended to clear this floor, he''d have to find a way to maximize their significance.

    Unsurprisingly, the wolf wasn''t a patient beast. It rushed towards the others, causing Ahri to intercept its sword. Although her skill seemed amateurish, the way she wielded her sword produced sharp slash angles.

    Clank!

    Every time she attacked the wolf, it stopped her from inflicting damage. It appeared the wolf''s claws were on par with a Tier 2 weapon, which came as a surprise.

    ''No wonder everyone felt my previous future was so bleak. Tier 2 weapons seem to be the minimum from this point on. Then, perhaps it''s not their point management that is poor,'' Lucian surmised.

    Meanwhile, his gaze switched to Aeran, who similarly wielded a sword. While Ahri kept its front occupied, Aeran circled around the wolf with his dark brown hair swaying in the wind.

    Shnk!

    Withdrawing his sword from his sheath produced a subtle screeching noise as he cut through the hind limb of the wolf. While its claws were strong, it appeared its body was comparatively weaker.

    Nonetheless, Lucian realized it took too long for them to gain the upper hand needed to overwhelm the beast. Finally, after a few slashes, the beast was defeated with Desmond, Ahri, and Aeran receiving notification.

    Aeran and Ahri''s portion was noticeably larger because of their considerable contributions.

    ''Mm, that took approximately 45 seconds. If there are at least 400 off such monsters, and this is the average time needed to eliminate one, then we''re looking at a clear time of over 5 hours! No wonder they can''t even reach the boss room,'' Lucian thought after evaluating their battle.

    "Do you guys not rely upon your abilities to overpower the monsters?" Lucian questioned after noticing the lack of ability usage.

    "We do, but it''s best to conserve Mana," Ahri responded.

    In most cases, this belief might ring true, but Lucian felt it was wrong in this instance, "I think you should be willing to expend as much of your Mana as possible, but also manage the amount used on each foe."

    "Then our expenses will skyrocket. The tokens used on failed attempts aren''t recompensed and we don''t have endless reserves. Not to mention...this will be our 10th run. How many tokens do you think we have left?" Ahri sent with a pained frown.

    Lucian nodded slowly as he came to realize their situation, ''So it stems from a lack of funds. Then, how do we remedy this?''

    Eventually, a thought clicked in Lucian''s mind.

    "What if, instead of stressing over clearing this floor, we use this run as a sort of simulation?" Lucian suggested.

    Ahri''s eyebrow rose with intrigued as the suggestion sounded somewhat interesting. "Simulation? How so?"

    "Well, instead of this being our last run, how about we use it as a simulation to experiment with the quickest way to eliminate the wolves? At the same time, I suggest we canvas the map as our lead objective with the elimination being our secondary."

    Aeran rubbed his chin in thought before giving this plan the benefit of doubt, "Team Leader, I think this will work. We''ve never reached beyond the halfway point. But, if our goal isn''t to kill them, it should be possible to scout up to the boss area. After all, this map is fairly large."

    Gradually, everyone agreed with this sound plan.

    Ultimately, Ahri was brought on board with the insistence of the others.

    ''Sensible teammates. Perhaps it will really be possible,'' Lucian inwardly thought, before allowing Desmond to take the lead. However, although Desmond acted as the lead scout, Lucian''s Hypervigilance was always active.

    Just a simple inspection of the trees gave Lucian an indication of whether the area was vacant or occupied. Whenever Desmond called out the presence of a beast, Lucian was already looking in that direction.

    Compared to Desmond, it would seem Lucian''s perception was stronger. Although Desmond''s ability was linked to his eyes, it was better to say Lucian was linked to his mind''s eyes, a sort of sixth sense which condensed all senses into one super sense.

    When it came to wolves targeting their rear, Lucian manned that station. Rather than using attacks to kill, Lucian used palm thrusts to launch the wolves away from them. Since the goal wasn''t to kill them, Lucian only kept them at bay to allow the team enough room to map the route properly.

    30 minutes later, the team arrived at the area they never managed to exit from.

    "Beyond here is uncharted grounds. I advise you to stay wary. If you account for the number of wolves met, most of them should reside in this area," Desmond warned while also raising his hand in the form of a fist.

    It was a hand sign for the party to halt. Apparently, Desmond originated from a family with military training. All of his actions were disciplined and made with intent. With this movement, Lucian stealthily withdrew his bow, ready to take aim.

 Chapter 45 - Absurd Accuracy

    ----

    As a result, the others followed his lead and advanced slowly. However, as a precaution, Adonis looked to his side to inform Lucian of the signal''s meaning. Yet to his surprise, Lucian''s hands were already occupied with a bow.

    ''When did he equip that?''

    Despite standing next to him the entire time, Adonis failed to notice when Lucian pulled the bow from behind his back.

    ''Since these are uncharted areas, I should provide some assistance. Also...I can sense them gathering up ahead. I think this is just what we need.''

    Suddenly, Lucian looked towards Quinn, who was clutching his staff with trembling hands. ''Signs of post-trauma relapses? He''ll have to overcome his fear and self-blame if he''s to ever move forward. Maybe we should also devise a method to help him.''

    Lucian''s mind started to cycle through possible scenarios to jumpstart Quinn''s courage. For Lucian, it was his despair. But, perhaps Quinn''s catalyst required a unique taste.

    As the team moved forward, continuous rustling and even some echoing tremors were heard.

    It was an instinctive response, but Lucian nocked an arrow with fluent expertise before releasing it. The arrow whizzed past the cheeks of all of his teammates before disappearing into the bush ahead.

    Pheu! Pheu! Pheu!

    Like a machine on repeat, Lucian fired arrows in a fluent motion, which totaled 6 shots. To the team''s horror, each shot entered the same hole in the bush!

    Noticing the shock on their face, Lucian couldn''t help but frown a little. They were halting progress with this display, "Don''t idle! Move! I''ll continue to assist from the back."

    "R-right!" Everyone replied with a dismayed expression as they moved forward and burst through the bush. To their surprise, there were three identical wolves with matching wounds, courtesy of Lucian''s frightening archery.

    Everyone could only spare incredulous looks before continuing forth.

    ''How can someone so young be so good with a bow? Each of the shots landed on top of each other causing the first arrows to split in half. What type of accuracy is needed to perform this? No...just what have we invited into the team,'' Ahri wondered.

    At the same time, she also kept her sword drawn in case Lucian failed to cope with any of the appearing monsters. However, to her amazement, Lucian didn''t nock another arrow after dealing with these wolves.

    Instead, he remained behind and continued to inspect their actions, ''5 of them incoming and they''re moving rather fast. It should be manageable. Let''s see how it works out,'' Lucian thought to him.

    A sensation assailed Desmond that made him yell at the top of his lungs, "Enemies!"

    Rather than fashing forward, Desmond performed a back step while retrieving several of his projectiles. Since they were petite, he managed to situate a projectile between each of his fingers.

    Although he seemed relaxed, he froze for a moment before glancing in Lucian''s direction, ''Don''t do it, Des. Don''t try to compare yourself to someone else. Comparison is the theft of all joy. Just focus on what you need to do.''

    With a staunch expression, Desmond extricated his gaze from Lucian before launching the projectiles nearest to his index finger. The two projectiles then began to swirl around one another while producing a connecting wisp of smoke.

    It began as light grey, but the smoke thickened until the projectiles disappeared inside. It seemed heightened eyesight wasn''t the extent of his abilities.

    Howwoo!

    A pained howl sounded while a set of bloodthirsty eyes shone through the voids in the bush. Although the wolves could defend against his projectiles before, the smoke masked their presence, which allowed them to bypass their keen senses.

    "Olov, intercept!" Ahri ordered while sliding two fingers against her sword. A faint yellow aura coalesced across its length before covering at the tip of her sword. A blinding flash took place as an arc of subtle light hurtled towards one of the wolves.

    Lucian''s eyes glistened with praise as he watched this display. ''They''re finally using their abilities. Good, give me a better notion of your strength.''

    Noticing her actions, Desmond dodged to the side as Ahri''s attack landed upon one of the wolves. At a glance, it seemed the light was harmless, however, many blisters rose under the hide of the wolf as it snarled.

    "What kind of ability is that?" Lucian questioned.

    "Radiation," Ahri responded with a quick glance. More than likely her powers were caused by a mutation because radiation stemmed from an abnormality; a terrifying one at that.

    "Does it follow the same logic as normal radiation?" Lucian questioned while noticing some deformities taking place at the tip of the sword. A portion of its luster dulled.

    As a side effect, Ahri''s power could simultaneously strengthen and weaken the metal.

    ''Hmm, the hardness of the weapon is gradually increasing, but the malleability is suffering in the process. It''ll take a powerful catalyst to counteract those adverse effects,'' Lucian thought.

    All of a sudden, his attention was drawn by Olov''s loud bellow. It carried a hint of pain, leading Lucian to believe he was injured.

    A deep gash appeared on the thigh of Olov during his attempt to keep two of the Infernal Dire Wolves at bay. However, their super-heated claws tore through his battle suit like butter. Since most of his Merge Token went to procuring a stronger shield, Olov still wore the Tier 1 version of the Guardian''s standard battle suit.

    Olov sucked in a sharp breath as he bashed his shield forward with his body emitting a white gleam. His instantaneous movement was shocking as the white aura propelled him 1 meter in a fraction of a second.

    With the transference of force, the wolf directly in front of him was blasted into a towering tree with a loud cracking noise. The wolf whimpered as its limp body slid down the tree''s trunk.

    Only moments later did a faint green hue encase Olov''s body. Naturally, this was Quinn''s healing ability. But compared to what he experienced, it was lacking in more than one way.

    However, that wasn''t the matter that troubled Lucian. ''What the hell? Why are his eyes closed? How does he expect to moderate the Mana transference at an optimal level? This usage is...well, my goodness.''

    Lucian''s frown deepened when he picked up on just how much of Quinn''s Mana was going to waste.

    ''Perhaps most of the blame truly belongs to him. If this is how he dealt with all of their prior situations, then I can see how they failed repeatedly.''

    "Damn it! There are way too many of them. It seems like the number only grows steeper the deeper we go. Sylvia, we need you," Aeran exclaimed while brandishing his sword over and over. Supersonic waves rippled through the air, producing screeching noises upon impact.

    The pitch was terrible to wolves, causing them to snort and wave their head about to get rid of it. Regrettably, the range of Aeran''s ability was limited, stretching only 3 meters.

    With a sigh, Lucian had already identified the issues of this party, so he decided to lend a hand.

    ''As quick as possible, that is the aim. So there are two things I must do,'' Lucian thought.

    Withdrawing four arrows at once, Lucian nocked them without pause. Next, Mana inundated the two forefingers of his drawing hand upon placing them on the bowstring. The influx of Mana caused the string to grow taut. Even a light flick produced deafening vibration.

    However, Lucian wasn''t done just yet. An additional Mana flow originating from his hand flowed into the arrow''s shaft and arrowhead. Unlike before, Lucian didn''t release them immediately.

    His eyebrows twitched as he counted and absorbed the view of the battle. After three seconds, he finally released them.

    "Blitz!"

    Fwoosh!

    The arrows soared at absurd speeds before curving towards the blind spot of the wolves. If an uninformed spectator were to view what was happening, they''d probably believe Lucian possessed some type of telekinetic ability!

    Once the arrows pierced their initial targets ruthlessly, they performed opposite curves and targeted the wolves, whose paws struck the ground as they pounced towards the team.

    Everyone''s eyes widened due to the display of ridiculous accuracy.

    "What type of freakish accuracy is this?!" Desmond guffawed with an incredulous stare. He couldn''t believe his eyes. The timing of the shot was in sync with the pounce of the wolves!

 Chapter 46 - Earning Rapport

    ----

    Lucian''s abrupt display of nonsensical archery left everyone nonplussed. The sharp glint in his eyes as he eliminated the wolves with a single shot never faltered, causing them to question his current Mana Quotient.

    "Shouldn''t a single shot be on par with the consumption of our abilities? How is he able to reproduce the same shot consistently without signs of fatigue? It doesn''t make any sense to me," Aeran wondered while sheathing his sword.

    At this point, there was no reason for him to be on high alert. Each of the incoming enemies was sniped by Lucian within two seconds of their initial appearance. What''s more, is that Lucian advanced one or two steps with each pluck of his bowstring.

    After releasing 15 consecutive shots, he now stood at the front of the team. However, these movements weren''t done without purpose. After his next volley of arrows, Lucian reclaimed the arrows from earlier.

    Since he used a large portion of his Merge Tokens for the masteries, he didn''t have the luxury to squander these arrows. Not to mention, his application of Mana Reinforcing rectified the integral issue of the issues.

    Although the state of the arrows deteriorated due to the temporary effects of Mana Reinforcing, it wasn''t extreme and allowed him to reuse the arrows. Besides, Lucian didn''t expect to use these arrows without ever changing them. Sooner or later, the material would lose the ability to contain the injected mana and shatter.

    After all, when it came to vessel quality, these crude arrows weren''t even worth mentioning. However, if he could get his hands on arrows forged from exquisite material, then that was another story.

    "Perhaps what we''re seeing isn''t the truth. Think about it. Maybe his endurance is just rather high, allowing him to conceal the signs of strain. Coupled with a large MQ, it should be possible to postpone the symptoms of exhaustion. Also, the strength of his attacks isn''t very overwhelming, it''s the precision that enables him to produce these feats," Ahri answered.

    Based on Ahri''s observations, she was right.

    Lucian''s breaths were growing uneven compared to the beginning of his actions, while beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Simultaneously wielding two separately flowing streams of Mana was harder than it seemed.

    This task consumed 80% of his focus, leaving the remaining 20% for his archery. Fortunately, he possessed the masterful skill provided by the acquired knowledge. If this was the previous Lucian, then this would be impossible to accomplish.

    Forget 20%, even 100% of his prior archery ability couldn''t bridge the needed skill to annihilate these wolves. Thus, Lucian was gratified by his choice to sacrifice the tokens to hone his techniques.

    Granted, Lucian also noticed some oddities with the skill.

    ''It feels as if there''s some type of periodic disturbance. Perhaps this is because my body registers it as an artificially acquired skill. I guess even skills granted by the shop require familiarization. Luckily, I never intended to leave these skills alone,'' Lucian inwardly thought.

    Finally, with another arrow, Lucian dealt with the remaining wolf. Since he couldn''t keep the points acquired from the kill due to the teaming agreeing to label this as a trial run, Lucian dismissed all the alerts without glancing at the point quantity.

    "I don''t know how to say this because, well...it sounds insensitive. But, you really are something. I think there''s a chance of us clearing this floor," Aeran commented while staring directly at Lucian.

    Subconsciously, he made a comparison between Jonas and Lucian''s power. Their efficiency was leagues apart! Despite the words sounding a little jarring to them, the team couldn''t help but nod along with the Aeran''s remark.

    After all, their previous assaulter didn''t possess the strength required to subdue the enemy while also remaining safe. Hence, their untimely demise.

    "As harsh as it may sound, you''re right. While we may not be the closest, it''s still a human life nonetheless. So, I suggest we always keep his memory in mind while moving forward. This is best I can advise," Ahri nodded in agreement.

    Meanwhile, Lucian merely observed silently. Apart from evaluating their morals, Lucian was also wondering if his mindset was too immature. ''The owner of this stone mentioned it before. Sometimes sacrifices are inevitable. Will a time come when I have to make such a decision? If so, will I be ruthless enough to follow through with it?''

    While questioning himself, Lucian also took note of the rate his body replenished his Mana. It was over three times greater than his previous rate. Although his reserves were nearly ten times more than before, this new absorption rate felt pleasant.

    "G-guys, I don''t think it''s right to talk about the dead like that. I mean, he sacrificed himself for us. I know you don''t mean any disrespect but...how about we just not mention him altogether?" Quinn muttered in a tiny voice.

    Everyone was aware of his timid personality, so they could only do so much to appease his shaky nerves.

    "I understand how you feel. We''ll refrain from mentioning him," Desmond stated in a consoling tone. He then looked amongst the others. Although they didn''t all answer, they gave nods to symbolize their shared agreement.

    Eventually, the looming question was asked. "So um, do we advance, or do we just wait here?" Sylvia, the girl with permission hair flowing to her hips asked. On top of her charming appearance, her attire was topped with stylish bangles dangling and clinking together around her wrist.

    "Remaining here would be an ill-advised choice. We have already to determined to scour as much of this map as possible. There are still a few more minutes, so I say we take advantage of every last second," Lucian interjected.

    "Then, should we monitor our Mana consumption?" Aeran asked. Although Ahri was the party leader, Aeran instinctively looked to Lucian for answers. From his faint smile, it seemed Lucian''s aim was being met. His earlier actions seemed to have left a deep impression on the team.

    "No, there''s no need for it. Go wild; I''ll ensure your safety with my arrows. However, there''ll be something we need to revisit once we return," Lucian answered before performing a deep inhale.

    At the same time, he also made a gesture for Ahri to come close. Since no one present seemed to possess evolved hearing, Lucian pulled her to the side and requested something of her.

    "You''re the leader, so I need you to do something," Lucian whispered in a tone only Ahri could hear.

    "What is it? As long as it''s nothing atrocious, it should be accomplishable."

    "It''s not. It''s actually quite simple. Allow some of the team members to become wounded. However, there won''t be any real danger. We just need them to understand a few things," Lucian answered.

    Ahri couldn''t help but spare a bewildered look. At first, she couldn''t understand why Lucian would want to create this scenario. Although the Echelon Lounge produced a healing effect, was it beneficial to employ this type of plan?

    "Ah, I know how it may seem, but it''s for a good reason. If we''re to clear this run on our next try, it''ll require them to possess a certain understanding as well as come to grips with the reality of the current situation," Lucian stated.

    After a moment of silence, Ahri finally squeezed out her rendition of Lucian''s words, "Could it be you want to...test them?"

    "In a way, yes. They''ll have to want to succeed more than anything. Only then will it be possible to attempt the side tasks."

    When Ahri heard Lucian''s desire, her eyes nearly popped out of her head! Although Lucian was strong, he was only one person; one with limits. He had yet to become a full-fledged monstrosity, so she failed to pin the possibilities together.

    However, Lucian also didn''t reveal all of his intentions. This wasn''t the sole reason for his request. Lucian''s instinct told him Quinn wasn''t ready to shoulder this burden, so he needed to intervene and supplement the inadequacies.

    In other words, Lucian was curious about the specifics of Quinn''s ability! Upon his first usage, Lucian felt a stir when Quinn used his ability. But, it was evident his perception wasn''t strong enough to duplicate a viewed ability instantaneously.

    It required time. Hence, why Lucian requested for Ahri to allow some injuries. It would mandate Quinn to heal them, which in turn provided Lucian with ample time to complete the process.

    "Okay, but just guarantee me no mishaps."

    Lucian smiled, "I can guarantee that."

    With another glance, Ahri soon moved to the front before instructing everyone to follow her lead.

    During that time, Lucian resumed his watch over the fidgety Quinn. ''I understand how it feels to be meager and feel as if you''re less of a person, therefore, I will help you as best as I can.''

 Chapter 47 - Addressing The Issue

    ----

    Not long after Lucian asked Ahri to instigate a scenario that allowed the team to face some dangers, the number of incoming Infernal Dire Wolves skyrocketed exponentially. The further they traveled, the more likely it was to come in contact with the most dangerous area on the map.

    "A-Ahri, shouldn''t we exercise precaution? Although this is just a trial run, I think we should at least remain wary of where we venture," Desmond muttered. His expression was worrisome as he bore the brunt of most of the wolves'' initial collision.

    After all, while Olov was the team''s chief defender, Desmond was their scout. So he frequently experienced these types of situations at his forefront position. Not to mention, the wolves were pretty fast, so reacting required him to be prepared beforehand.

    If they were a little slower, he would have the luxury to move proactively instead of reactively.

    "Don''t worry. There''s no real danger. The time we have left on this floor is basically inconsequential," Ahri responded while glancing at the large timer up above. There were only 5 minutes remaining, however, this didn''t seem to soothe Desmond.

    ''Damn, what''s this eerie feeling then?'' Desmond wondered while showcasing a conflicted expression. Even though Ahri said it was fine, he didn''t have enough trust to blindly place all of his faith in her remark with full confidence.

    As Lucian took notice of this, he marked another weakness of the team. ''It needs to be sturdier if they seek to advance without any tragedies. I should have known human behavior would become a travesty to our progression.''

    Initially, Lucian''s opinion of Desmond was different. Since he seemed to possess a military background, Lucian felt he should be used to receiving and executing given orders to a tee. Yet, from what he saw now, that didn''t seem to be the case.

    There was anxiousness in his eyes when Ahri gave the order to continue forward. Perhaps this stemmed from her gender, or perhaps it stemmed from their repeated failures. Either way, it seemed Desmond''s trust in the team was poor.

    ''Even if you hold some apprehension, there''s a reason you all appointed her as the team leader,'' Lucian inwardly thought. Based on his compiled information, Ahri possessed the highest stats in the team. Furthermore, it appeared that her ability was extremely strong but also stifled at the same time.

    This observation led Lucian to question Ahri''s circumstances. ''Just how does the logic of her radiation work? Was it an internal property, or did she just morph the ambient energy into radiation?'' If it was the latter, then it wasn''t as dangerous as Lucian first assumed.

    However, if the former scenario turned out to be the truth, then Lucian wasn''t too sure how to move forth with her. Should she continue to grow and heighten her attributes, she would be akin to a nuclear weapon!

    To hold that type of destructive ability sort of astonished Lucian.

    Finally, Lucian added his input, "Just follow the team leader''s orders. I''m sure she understands how important our safety is. Though my time with you all has been short, I feel she wouldn''t lead us into doom. So, just try to stick to her instructions."

    Since Lucian didn''t mince his words, Ahri was thrown off by what he said. ''W-wasn''t it you who said to force them deeper into this place? If it was up to me, I''d abort as well. I don''t understand, just what is he planning?''

    Meanwhile, Lucian''s attention fell on Quinn, whose trembling grew so evident that he thought the temperature had dropped. Of course, it didn''t, and this display was produced by the increased stress Quinn subjected himself to.

    "Calm down. Exhale and look forward," Lucian said all of a sudden. He also moved to Quinn''s side and placed his hand on his back.

    Startled, Quinn nearly jumped out of his shoes with a frightened yelp, "Oh! Oh gosh...my heart nearly stopped. Please don''t scare me like that, I can''t handle it." Quinn shook his head repeatedly while muttering his words in a hastened manner.

    "Hmm? Well, that was unexpected. Nevertheless, try what I said. Your nervousness stems from your mind so you should loosen up. I suggest finding something else to focus on."

    "F-focus? That''s hard. I can''t focus when I have to think about everything," Quinn responded.

    In response, Lucian looked at him with intrigue, "Everything? Why must you think about everything? You''re in a party and everyone plays a distinct role. So there is no reason for you to feel as if the burden is entirely on your shoulders."

    "Oh, but it is! It truly is. The healer has the most important job, and this responsibility is killing me. I don''t understand how others cope with it," Quinn muttered. Lucian could tell his methods weren''t working because Quinn started hyperventilating.

    ''Since this isn''t doing it, then let''s take a...harsher route, so to speak.''

    "If that''s the case, why do you feel so useful? Take a look at Ahri and Aeran. They''re the team''s two strongest assaulters. If you have no assaulter to defeat the monsters, what''s the use of your role? What¡ªare you just going to heal the monsters?"

    "I-I...uh," Quinn stammered over Lucian''s questioned. Now that he thought about it, he couldn''t find a true answer for his monumental worries. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he felt his anxiety was unwarranted.

    After realizing this, Quinn couldn''t help but show a self-deprecating smile, "I''m not that strong. My healing is just barely enough, and it worries me. Truth be told I didn''t fail to heal Jonas. They just weren''t potent enough."

    "Why not?" Lucian questioned. Even if Quinn''s ability was only an E Rank, their current vessels weren''t strong enough to reject that type of healing. After all, the Mana used for healing was purer than normal Mana and was almost on par with beta-Mana.

    Hence, why Healers were such a cherished position.

    "I-I tense up and then my mind blanks. Then, before I know it, my healing isn''t what it should be. Maybe I wasn''t made to be a Guardian. I don''t understand why I was chosen."

    Before answering, Lucian nocked an arrow before releasing it to his right. To Quinn''s dismay, Lucian hadn''t turned his head once throughout the entire process. Yet, a metallic noise was heard as Lucian''s arrow deflected an unnoticed swipe which sought to claim Olov''s life.

    "Tell me, if you don''t know why you were summoned, do you have a reason to be summoned? I was once in your position. No, I was even worse off. Fragile and ridiculed by all. However, that didn''t bother me much. You know why?"

    "Why?" Quinn questioned. For some odd reason, Quinn found Lucian to possess some type of magnetic aura. It helped soothe his jittery nerves while wanting to know more.

    In light of his question, Lucian retrieved a stopwatch from his pocket. Different from the amulet which held a photo of his parent, this stopwatch displayed a picture of Lucian and his siblings with delighted smiles.

    "Because of them. They are and always will be my resolve. I can''t allow them to suffer while I know I can do something to help them."

    Frozen, Quinn continued to look at the picture of Lucian and his siblings. It was a beautiful picture, even causing Quinn to smile faintly, but then his expression turned odd as his gaze switched between Lucian and the photo numerous times.

    "Is that...you? Why do you look so different?" Quinn muttered.

    "The effects of awakening to my required self," Lucian answered while avoiding the mention of the Limitless Stone. Such an item should be guarded with the utmost security. At this point, he wasn''t sure if he''d ever tell someone of its existence.

    If even the Fractured Monolith wasn''t aware of its existence, then surely no one on Alteria would be able to glean its existence.

    Finally, the timer above their heads started to buzz as it fell to the last 10 seconds.

    During this time, Lucian scaled down his assistance. Not just Olov, even Ahri, Aeran, and Adonis suffered wounds. Unlike Ahri and Aeran, Adonis preferred to use daggers while attacking with astounding agility.

    In exchange for his speed, he sacrificed strength and endurance. However, when coupled with his odd ability to wreath himself in a shroud of dense air, it was a viable combat tactic.

    Gong!

    An echoing noise, reminiscent of a gong blasted inside everyone''s head before a strong ejection force pulled their bodies. The appearance of this sound announced failures on timed floors.

    In moments, Lucian and the others arrived back in the Echelon Lounge, which was comparatively empty for its prior activity.

    The instant they returned, Lucian didn''t dawdle. He chose a table and beckoned for the others to follow, "It''s best we address the pressing issues with our performance."

 Chapter 48 - Feasible Solutions

    ----

    The others followed Lucian''s beckon and situated themselves at a table capable of fitting ten people comfortably. However, a menu appeared before their eyes as they took their seats, and its contents were split between a few choices.

    For one, they could turn on the privacy settings, which caused five soundproof metal sheets to form a rectangular prism around them. Outside of privacy, the menu also possessed the feature to request special refreshments at the expense of Merge Tokens.

    However, after browsing through the menu, the exorbitant prices turned them off. Although it was understandable due to their effects, 100 Merge Tokens for a specialized elixir was too much in their eyes.

    Thus, they only settled for privacy for the time being.

    "First things first. We need to discuss our abilities. As for the ones I know, we''ll have to establish a more thorough understanding. I''ll go first to break the ice; my abilities are Amplification and Hypervigilance," Lucian revealed.

    However, while revealing the uses of his skill, Lucian chose to omit the ranking of his abilities. For some unknown reason, even if he intended to reveal them, the skills linked to the Limitless Stone were hidden from detection.

    Amplification was an exception because it was a copy of Lucian''s original ability, therefore allowing him to present it he deemed fit. However, something surprising became known to him.

    ''I can manipulate the information at whim!''

    Therefore, instead of SS Rank, Lucian introduced his Hypervigilance as an A+ Rank ability.

    While he wanted to garner support from the team, he didn''t wish to go for overkill. After all, SS Rank abilities could only appear in someone with an Extraordinary Refinement. In other words, Lucian would be perceived as a 9th extraordinary-class Guardian.

    Although the name sounded enticing, Lucian looked at the repercussions from a logical standpoint. First, he didn''t know these people well enough to disclose vital information about himself. Which led to his second dilemma.

    If he were to reveal that, it would present an ill opportunity for rumors to surface. After all, gossip about the strong was one of societies'' primary hobbies. It was unknown why, but it seemed speaking about someone else''s strength really gets a person''s blood pumping.

    With that being said, his secret of possessing an SS Rank ability would also land him on the radar of those same extraordinary individuals. After coming in contact with them for a brief moment, this was something he didn''t want¡ªat least for the time being.

    Until he could bide his time and become stronger while first accomplishing his goal of healing his siblings, then gaining renown held no appeal to him.

    "Erm...well, my information is quite simple here," Ahri responded. Her parameters appeared on the screen before them, for the whole team to see. However, when their eyes fell on Ahri''s Fractal Rating, their expression became deep as they failed to understand it.

    ---

    Name: Ahri Valentine

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Emitter)

    Fractal Rating: D- (S? SS? [Unstable!])

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 160/160 (2.45 Mana Units per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D

    ?Agility: D-

    ?Endurance: E+

    ?Dexterity: D

    ?Vitality: D

    ?Perception: D-

    ?Spirit: D

    ?Wisdom: E+

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: [Omitted]

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ? Radiation [Unstable Ability]

    ¡­

    "Unstable? What does that mean?" Aeran muttered with an astonished expression. This was a first. Until now, none of the team members were aware of Ahri''s situation. Although her attributes were good, her rating and abilities didn''t seem to be.

    While the others were at a loss, Lucian examined her closely. Since an Emitter was an unfamiliar archetype for him, Lucian wished to acquire information. Thankfully, it wasn''t too hard to do so. Just recalling her prior use was enough to get Lucian''s mental gears turning.

    ''Perhaps both of my speculations fit her bill. What if the instability of her ability is that it needs to evolve? Maybe her utilization can change as well. The only issue is¡­''

    "Does using your ability inflict pain?" Lucian questioned.

    "Not really. There is only a temporary numbness in my hands as I activate it. I haven''t tried it, but it could be possible that my ability doesn''t require me to only use my hands as a catalyst. It just feels like the most convenient method," Ahri answered.

    Lucian rubbed his chin in thought for some time. This situation was hard to judge, and he also didn''t want to create a situation that endangered her. "Hm, we''ll have to put you on the back burner. You won''t take the head position for our next run. Instead, it''ll be you."

    The person on the other side of his finger looked with shock.

    "M-me? Quite a large responsibility, no?" Aeran replied.

    "It is, but this also allows me to move on to my next point. We have your ability which seems oriented around sound. It proved effective against the wolves. However, the true anchor of our run will be you, Sylvia."

    While her presence in the team was small, after learning of her ability, Lucian was pleasantly surprised. She possessed a minor form of the ability Attraction. Which meant she was one of the extremely rare Natural archetypes.

    The premise of her ability allowed her to attract a grand total of 450 kg and the targets varied depending on her focus. However, the consumption of her ability was also insane. Just three usages and her reserves were completely empty.

    Part of this was due to her lack of control while the other part was due to her Refinement changing her initial ability, so she was unfamiliar with it.

    Nevertheless, this was something practice could fix.

    Sylvia started to twirl her hair around her finger nervously while looking at Lucian with fear present in the depths of her eyes. "What do you suppose I do? I...don''t have to put myself in danger, do I?"

    "No, you''ll be moving alongside me. After all, I intend to accomplish the bonus task," Lucian said.

    Everyone in the party looked at him with an incredulous expression followed by exaggerated gasps. They couldn''t understand what impelled him to believe this was possible.

    How could he possibly believe they possessed the means to go from an impossible clear, to completing it within 75% of the timer?!

    "Dude, what? That''s a little insane. You on drugs, mate? How about you share some?" Olov blurted. To him, Lucian''s revelation sounded like the mindless ramblings of a drunken fool. This was absolutely impossible to accomplish.

    "Well, first it is possible. It''ll just take some heavy sacrifices. I just need to know if you''re willing. When your skills fail, there is only one other choice to experience the evolution needed¡ªtaking a risk others wouldn''t," Lucian answered calmly.

    His decision was completely unaffected by their reaction. This stillness in his mindset caused a subtle intrigue in the team. From ambivalence, they gradually came to the shared desire of wanting to hear these so-called risks.

    "Well, don''t leave us in suspense, tell us already dammit! I can''t take the habits of you youngins. What do you think this is? Some kind of action-mystery movie?" Olov grumbled while kicking his foot.

    "The FM Shop; we''ll have to take advantage of it. Specifically, we need to equip two of you with adequate knowledge. In this case, I suggest Aeran and Olov be the receivers of the knowledge."

    Skeptical expression formed amongst the team as they heard this.

    "Uh, we''ve already been over this. None of us possess the tokens to buy any knowledge from within the shop. If that''s the case, then this plan is already unsound. It isn''t feasible," Adonis interjected before sighing afterward. Apparently, his raised hopes were too hurried.

    ''I guess we''re destined to never clear this thing.'' Adonis thought.

    However, Lucian merely smiled. "Under normal circumstances, yes. But as I said before, this will come with sacrifices. Separately there isn''t enough, but as a collective, there should be. Everyone will have to put their tokens on the line."

    "What!? No way," Olov disagreed.

    Lucian silently leaned forward before countering, "Why not? If this were to become your last run, they''d become useless if you never returned here, so what''s the issue with releasing them early?"

    Olov''s eyes widened with realization as he said this.

    "Lucian''s right. This actually workable. Our selfish views made us overlook this possibility. Well, no more; I advocate for this place. I have 98 Merge Tokens remaining," Ahri stated. As the leader, she was the first to announce her balance of tokens.

    With her acting as the catalyst, the others followed along with a snowball effect. One by one, they announced their balance.

    In total, the team possessed 712 Merge Tokens.

    "Good, I have 400. It''ll be just enough to purchase the two essential bits of knowledge."

    A large trade window appeared as the influx of Merge Tokens flowed toward Aeran and Olov.

    However, after they received the tokens, Lucian announced the remaining portion of the stipulations, "This isn''t free. When we clear it, you are to return the tokens to their rightful owner."

    "Don''t you mean if?" Sylvia commented.

    "I said what I said. It isn''t a matter of if but when," Lucian responded with confidence.

 Chapter 49 - Optimization And Re-entry

    ----

    After receiving the team''s tokens, Olov and Aeran browsed through the Fractured Monolith''s shop in search of a piece of knowledge integral to their abilities. Since the plan hinged on them fulfilling their role at maximum efficiency, each of them sought a knowledge that would drastically increase their effectiveness.

    For Aeran, he favored the Sword Mastery knowledge. It was a passive ability that gave insight into the techniques revolving around the Foundational Strikes. In essence, every complex sword technique originated from solid foundations along with a combination of basic movements. When arranged together, it gave birth to the outline of a technique.

    As for the complete creation, it required the infusion of Mana.

    Just a few seconds after purchasing the knowledge, basic sword movements filled Aeran''s mind. An astounding volume at that, so much it initially baffled him.

    "What the! If I knew the knowledge was so useful, I would have made this a priority over my current equipment," Aeran muttered, but then curiosity befell him. "So, does that mean your archery is the result of a passive ability as well?"

    "Correct," Lucian nodded before shifting his attention towards Olov. Based on his expression, he seemed to be in deep thought or even in some type of amazement. Similar to Aeran, he had chosen a worthwhile passive ability.

    "I''ve got it! This thing called Redirection is awesome. I understand the distribution of force at a genius level! This is amazing. Let''s get back to this floor right this instant!" Olov jumped around with overflowing mirth, causing the others to question his true age.

    "Is he the kid here, or is it us?" Adonis muttered while giving Olov a blank look. After a while, Olov cleared his throat with a slight blush. It seemed his earlier display left him feeling somewhat embarrassed.

    "Ahem, don''t mind that whole spectacle. I was excited. I tell you this old man here is wise beyond his years. I can school you in the ways of life if need be," Olov said with a shameless smirk.

    Seeing as everyone found this hard to believe, they could only scoff and shake their heads. However, Lucian felt his preparations were still lacking. Different from what they assumed, Lucian''s goal wasn''t the simple 75% run.

    No, his sights were set much further. Unlike before, he now possessed a certain avarice for success.

    "Every offensive member needs at least D+ Rank Strength and Agility while retaining at least a D- Endurance. Meanwhile, Olov you will also need at least a D+ Endurance and Vitality attribute. Are you all able to achieve this composition?" Lucian asked.

    In light of his question, everyone revealed pained expressions. Undoubtedly, the answer to that question was no.

    "How far are you all from obtaining that composition?" Lucian questioned.

    "Approximately 4 points. As long as I can get those, I''ll be able to raise both of them," Ahri answered.

    "Eh heh...10," Olov grimaced. Rather than the typical defender stats, Olov focused more on his Strength and Agility. So both his Endurance and Vitality were only at the D- and E+ standard. Fortunately, he possessed some points.

    Lastly, Aeran, Desmond, and Adonis each required upwards of 10 points.

    After making some quick estimations, Lucian gave a nod before performing a trade gesture.

    ?Alert: Lucian Salvatore has initiated an Enhancement Point Transfer. Would you like to accept? [Y/N]??

    This message appeared before all 5 of their eyes. Since Quinn didn''t reply upon these stats, Lucian didn''t include him. As for Sylvia, Lucian was shocked to find that both of her Spirit and Wisdom were already D+.

    Thus, he didn''t need to intervene on their part.

    Three seconds later, everyone accepted their unique transfer window. Situated in the bottom-most corner was the number of Enhancement Points everyone claimed they required.

    Upon noticing this fact, every was startled. They looked at Lucian with apparent horror. Finally, Olov couldn''t help but blurt the obscenities on his mind.

    "God dammit! Are you some type of point machine? How the hell are you so strong yet possess an excess of 40 Enhancement Points? This is ridiculous!" Olov exclaimed.

    Lucian released a faint chuckle before responding, "It''s quite simple, actually. It''s courtesy of clearing the pre-existing bonus task in my tutorial and slaying a lot of monsters."

    Afterward, Lucian confirmed the trade, which caused his balance of Enhancement Points to reduce by 41.

    However, that wasn''t the end of his actions. Lucian increased his own parameters as well.

    ?Alert: Strength: D ¡ú D+ [4 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Agility: D- ¡ú D ¡ú D+ [8 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ...

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

    Fractal Rating: D (C+)

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 185/185 (3.05 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D+

    ?Agility: D+

    ?Endurance: E+

    ?Dexterity: D

    ?Vitality: E+

    ?Perception: D+

    ?Spirit: D

    ?Wisdom: D

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 16.6

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

    ?Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

    ?Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

    ...

    Even after upgrading his own attributes, Lucian was still left with more than 16 Enhancement Points. Naturally, defeating the 40 Knolls really increased his count. Since the system failed to register his rank up at the time, his points per kill were inflated, which allowed him to gain an unmitigated 32 Enhancement Points.

    Added together with his prior points he was unable to use, Lucian possessed a whopping 69.6 Enhancement Points. However, that number was mutilated after conducting ample precautions.

    Of course, this wasn''t philanthropy. Lucian didn''t have the luxury of being so blatantly selfless.

    "See this as a loan. The same way a bank distributes loans in times of need, I expect my opponents to be returned in full. After all, you''ll soon come into your own collection."

    "Roger that," Desmond nodded.

    "Understandable," Aeran added.

    "Damn. I thought this was just a generous donation," Olov groaned, but nodded nonetheless.

    With this, their preparations were concluded. With the party now optimized to attack the floor, Lucian smiled and revealed some harrowing news. "We''ll be aiming for a record run. So take this Sylvia."

    Lucian presented Sylvia with 3 packages composed of strictly Mana Elixirs. Although they were the Lesser Version, the quantity was enough to astonish Sylvia.

    Approximately 30 elixirs were inside the bag. Sylvia didn''t stand on ceremony and merely accepted the package because according to what she saw, she was almost certain the value would have to be returned as well.

    "W-why does it feel like we''re being geared up and carried by a sugar daddy overpowered player in a game? I...kind of like this," Adonis said with a light chuckle.

    "Ahaha, I can see it now that you mention it," Aeran agreed. However, their laughter soon stopped as Lucian canceled the privacy prism. And compared to before, the lounge was a lot more lively as many people returned from their floor attempts.

    Within the crowd, a few familiar faces were seen.

    Lucian watched as Matthias along with 5 others exited from the grand gates of the Echelon Lounge. Surprisingly, Cezar wasn''t amongst their roster.

    ''Did he leave their party? If so, then where is he?''

    Although curious, Lucian didn''t confront Matthias for the information. One, if Cezar left of his own accord, then odds are he was unaware of this answer. Second, Lucian wasn''t sure how much of an upgrade Matthias'' status had undergone.

    Unlike the rest, a shroud existed around Matthias that kept Lucian from prying into the state of his vessel. It seemed artificial, unlike the authentic aura of the extraordinary Guardians. The enormity of their auras formed an innate shield to protect their internal information.

    Suddenly, Ahri tapped Lucian''s shoulder, "Will you be the leader for this run? If you wish to achieve something as absurd as that feat, then I think you''d be the best one to lead our assault."

    "Very well. I''ll attempt to lead you all. But, I''ll be honest with you now. This will be my first ever attempt at being a leader. I may prove inadequate, so just bear with me."

    ''Inadequate? I really doubt that. Not just anyone would be able to pinpoint so many issues and manage to convince people who are seemingly strangers to follow your suggestions,'' Ahri thought. However, she didn''t voice her opinion and kept it to herself.

    Moments later, they arrived before the gate. However, Lucian turned towards Quinn before entering, "Remain calm. Remember, for a healer, timing is everything. So do well to remedy that issue."

    Afterward, Lucian and everyone else agreed to enter the second floor and disappeared from where they stood.

    Unlike before, the moment they landed, Lucian blitzed forth while taking the lead. But as he ran, everyone noticed a bizarre sight.

    "This dude is carrying Sylvia on his back?!" Olov exclaimed with a slack jaw.

    Judging by his actions, it was clear that Lucian was serious about fulfilling those stringent criteria.

 Chapter 50 - Lending Assistance (I)

    ----

    "L-Lucian, isn''t this kind of extreme? Put me down!" Sylvia exclaimed with an apparent shade of blush on her cheek. The sudden action took her by surprise.

    While they ran, Lucian held onto her legs. In his eyes, it did not differ from giving his young siblings a piggyback ride. After all, compared to the rest of the team, Sylvia felt to be the closest in age, appearing to be no older than 18 years old.

    While Aeran and Quinn seemed young as well, it was hard to gauge.

    Nevertheless, Lucian turned his head towards her and refused to do so, "If we rely solely upon your agility, it''ll be impossible for you to keep up with me or the others for that matter. However, that''s not the most important thing. Prepare to use your ability."

    Sylvia''s eyes widened when she realized what Lucian intended to do. Because of her realization, Sylvia began wondering if they invited a madman amongst their ranks. Just who would be this reckless?

    All of a sudden, Lucian bellowed for the entire team to hear, "Don''t worry about the distribution of points! The kills aren''t the objective here. As long as you play your part according to the plan, there is a great portion awaiting you at the end."

    Two things happened because of this exclamation. One, all the wolves within a 200-meter radius were alerted because of the volume of his shout. While looking forward, Lucian observed their movements and noticed some signs of them originating from the same pack.

    Secondly, the others behind him gazed at his back with delighted expressions. Even though they had just met, Lucian''s actions generated enough trust to galvanize the team without worries of him backstabbing them.

    Although his actions weren''t generous, they were pragmatic. With his prismatic thinking, Lucian found the easiest way to generate rapport amongst his teammate¡ªby becoming their catalyst to increased strength.

    ''And he said was an inexperienced leader,'' Ahri thought while observing the changes in everyone''s expression. At the same time, she also turned back to see Adonis carrying Quinn over his shoulder.

    Everyone seemed to lend each other assistance to reduce the time needed to travel the first span of vacant land. After traveling it many times over, they were aware of the specific areas to watch for.

    Thus, Lucian reached that position in under 30 seconds. Without pause, Lucian instructed Sylvia of their next efforts.

    "Use it now!"

    Sylvia extended her delicate hand with a subtle nod. Before activating her ability, she removed a special glove from around it. It seemed to be made from some type of rubbery material.

    A strong magnetic current burst from her hand the moment the glove was removed. The current continued to undulate into the surrounding without a shred of control until Sylvia closed her eyes and focused on the center of her palm.

    Her frenzied Mana came under her control as she felt the general position of many of the incoming wolves.

    "Do you want them?"

    "Without a doubt; draw them all here at once," Lucian nodded. A cold gleam invaded his eyes as he extended his left arm and clenched his fist. A stream of dynamic Mana flooded into his arm, which caused the Meteorite Knuckles to emit tiny explosions around his wrists before following to his knuckles.

    Unlike a typical Tier 2 weapon, these knuckles were more of a specialty as strong special effects usually appeared in Tier 3 and higher weapons.

    Fwoosh!

    A surge three times stronger than before rushed into the distance and Sylvia began her part. One by one, a large number of wolves were pulled through the bushes. Most of them appeared baffled by the abrupt change when their bodies left the ground. The feeling of weightlessness after being washed by a foreign force was too odd for them.

    Bang!

    Without a second thought, Lucian leaned back slightly to dodge their frantic swipes before landing a terrifying punch on the skull of the foremost wolf. Due to the Meteorite Knuckles and ample Mana in his arm, the wolf''s skull shattered in one hit!

    Brain matter splattered everywhere in a scene reminiscent of an exploding watermelon. However, Lucian didn''t flinch at the ordeal and proceeded with his relentless attack.

    Holding his hand in the form of a knife, Lucian delivered a sharp chop to the next wolf''s throat. Once again, the presence of the explosive effect blew the wolf''s neck away. In an instant, two bodies hit the floor without an intact head.

    After witnessing such a shocking scene, the others could only gape and question if archery was truly Lucian''s strongest skill.

    "D-damn! That little boy is some type of monster. How can someone hit so hard with D+ Rank Strength?! Could it be that much stronger? Hey, wait! Don''t kill everything, let''s me test out my speculations!" Olov exclaimed.

    Before they knew it, everyone witnessed Olov perform a massive jump before hurtling his shield at a nearby wolf. Since he possessed a mastery over the understanding of force, he was able to jump higher and channel that same force to substantiate his attack.

    The shield rotated and blitzed through the air before smashing apart the wolf''s ribcage. The blow was strangely impressive as half of its body shifted at an odd angle. Upon witnessing this, Olov could only marvel.

    "I love it! Guys, you betcha asses you better get your hand on a knowledge! Do you see this?!" Olov exclaimed with mirth. However, his act was soon cut short by Lucian''s icy gaze.

    "Stick to the plan and stop celebrating so much. It''ll be time for that at the end," Lucian reprimanded. Based on this sight, the team couldn''t tell whether the mature one was Lucian or Olov.

    Nevertheless, Lucian turned away before nodding towards Aeran, "Begin."

    "With pleasure," Aeran responded before drawing his sword. The masterful unsheathing produced a harmonious sound to the team, which unsurprisingly gained the attention of a few wolves.

    For some odd reason, it was almost as if they could sense the danger hidden within that sonorous noise.

    Shng! Shng! Shng!

    Aeran performed basic yet graceful slashes to the wolves before him. Each strike was precise, enabling it to land upon the connecting joints of the wolves. They lost the ability to move in seconds, only to be ended by Aeran next sword strokes.

    Compared to their earlier runs, thanks to the existence of their new masteries, it was as if the party had been transformed! Then again, these were only the early monsters. According to their earlier runs, although they appeared to be the same, the wolves closer to the wolf den were far stronger.

    At most, these wolves were the deltas of the pack. The ones that defended the den were most like the betas.

    "L-Lucian...it''s getting hard to control," Sylvia muttered with a weak breath. All the movements Lucian was doing contributed to increased strain as Sylvias was only used to deploying her ability while in a stationary position.

    "Just cope with it for a while longer, we''re almost done. If need be, consume an elixir. Then you''ll have two minutes of respite to regain your thoughts. You''re vital to the team," Lucian responded.

    "Okay," Sylvia nodded before closing her palm. This discontinued the first magnetic wave. Since the affected wolves were all dead, it was redundant to keep it active. Instead, she consumed a Lesser Mana Elixir and produced a fresh surge of magnetic currents.

    While watching her ability at work, Lucian''s mind churned to locate ways of helping Sylvia refine her control over this ability. However, thinking about this made him question his own abilities.

    ''I wonder, are my abilities limited to myself? Or can I become a conduit to conduct power for other people? Unfortunately, I wouldn''t know how to begin going about that,'' Lucian inwardly thought.

    Every human possessed a different vessel composition. So managing the uniqueness of a Guardian''s vessel was something way beyond Lucian''s current competence. Until he learned how to control his own vessel without fatiguing himself, this matter was just a colossal dream.

    Nevertheless, Lucian attempted something else. While harnessing the power of his knuckles, Lucian withdrew his open palm before smashing it against the air before.

    A sound akin to a cannon being fired was produced. Furthermore, because of the quantity of Mana, it became a tangible existence that billowed forth with great vigor.

    Boom!

    A poor wolf became the victim of this strike as its body was torn asunder by the violent currents of the Mana cannon. Meanwhile, Lucian became ecstatic. Although the consumption was great, Lucian came across a way to produce ranged attacks without having a projectile as a catalyst!

 Chapter 51 - Lending Assistance (II)

    ----

    "Heh, I guess you can say dude''s arm is a cannon," Olov smirked before smashing his shield downward while simultaneously activating his ?Instantaneous? ability. Depending on how he moved, this ability could turn into a frightening possession.

    A large fissure formed due to Olov''s actions, causing the surface beneath the remaining wolves to crumble. Once they lost their footing, Lucian moved forward to end them with direct attacks.

    In under 3 minutes, they dealt with the 100 wolves located in this outer area. Measured against their earlier runs, this was already 10 times faster. By having Sylvia attract all the wolves, it reduced the delay between each kill by shortening the gaps between their positions.

    Not to mention, the significant agility increase to the team''s offensive members allowed them to transverse the remaining distance much quicker. After realizing how efficient this run was, Ahri couldn''t help but look toward Lucian''s focused visage with respect.

    With his Hypervigilance perpetually active, Lucian sunk into a state where everything before his eyes fell under his scrutiny. At the same time, estimations entered his mind as he recalled the distance between their current position and the entrance of the wolf''s den.

    "6 minutes. We have that much time to reach the entrance of the wolf''s den. However, I sense a subtle change in its surroundings. I''m guessing it has something to do with my earlier shout," Lucian revealed before glancing at his screen.

    Because of his actions, Lucian had amassed a frightening number of Enhancement Points.

    [?Enchancement Points: 66.6]

    Compared to the Knolls, the Infernal Dire Wolves rewarded 1 complete point upon death. Since Overseer Vohr learned of his "re-awakening" he alerted the system of his updated ranking, which in turn revamped the point ratio Lucian received.

    Since the rank matched the wolves, it returned to a 1:1. However, even then it wasn''t entirely correct. After all, a Guardian of the same rank shouldn''t be able to eliminate a similarly ranked monster in one strike. This type of difficulty meant Lucian could plow through this floor while allowing most of the team to retain their energy for the boss!

    Once he realized this, Lucian smiled. ''Everything is coming along perfectly. However, it isn''t the time to become complacent. Even the slightest error can interfere with our chances of accomplishing that task.''

    A few moments later, Lucian looked up towards Sylvia, "You can take that breather now. We''ll increase it from 2 to 6 minutes. It''d be best to save your ability for any unforeseen circumstances with in the wolf''s den."

    Unlike the rest of the map, the core of the floor, otherwise known as the wolf''s den was wholly unexplored. Therefore, Lucian felt it was best to keep Sylvia''s ability on reserve.

    Instead, Lucian called Desmond by his side before informing him of their next course of action.

    "You want me to create a smokescreen in front of the wolf''s den?" Desmond muttered with surprise. From what he saw, the entrance to the den spanned at least 10 meters in diameter. If Lucian wanted him to create a smokescreen that large, it''d require him to consume at least 50 percent of his Mana Quotient!

    "Yes. Are you capable of doing that?" Lucian questioned with a gaze filled with skepticism.

    When Desmond noticed that look, he frowned slightly. ''Damn, don''t look down upon me. I can pull my own weight!''

    "Of course! I''ll accomplish it without fail. You''ll see," Desmond responded in a firm tone.

    "Mm, seeing is believing," Lucian nodded.

    Desmond choked, but could only smile wryly. Until he proved himself, Lucian wasn''t able to place his complete trust in his word. After all, trust was a virtue earned not given away freely. While intangible, trust worth more than gold in Lucian''s eyes. Especially so because of his prior experiences.

    As long as he formulated the proper team, it was only a matter of time until he could accomplish his ultimate goal and cultivate people worthy of his trust.

    Shortly after this conservation, the roles switched and Desmond took the lead with Adonis following behind with just 3 steps separating their body. Once Desmond prepared the smokescreen, the next course of the plan relied upon Adonis.

    "Just how did you think of such ingenious uses for our abilities this quickly? You''re intending to merge the use of Adonis and Desmond''s abilities, aren''t you?" Ahri questioned while running alongside Lucian.

    Lucian admitted his plan before looking ahead once again. With the wolf''s den just 1 kilometer away, Lucian could distinguish the entrance.

    "Remember, don''t use your ability too often. It wouldn''t be ideal for you to damage your body. We should consult with Overseer Vohr about your ability first. Perhaps there''s a disagreement between its power and the strength of your vessel."

    "I think so as well. I''ll try to not use it. But, should the team be subject to danger, I am willing to risk its use," Ahri responded with the bearing of a leader. Lucian knew it was a lost cause to try to deter her from doing so based on her expression.

    As a result, Lucian could only nod while thinking to himself, ''I just won''t allow the team to fall into danger. I think I hold the strength to help us at this level.''

    Finally, after the estimated 6 minutes of traveling, Adonis and Desmond were the first to reach the den''s entrance. While drawing closer, Desmond held his hands together with a vacant space between his palms.

    A condensed orb of black smoke coalesced in that gap as he walked forward with a slowed gait. The consumption of this action was great, but it was also worth it. The smoke he produced was denser than any he had ever formed.

    "Ready!" Desmond exclaimed. However, he made sure not to be too loud. While Lucian was confident enough to alert all of his presence, Desmond wasn''t. Regrettably, his cautiousness was futile.

    Several low growls blending into one sounded from within the depths of the cave. Unlike the other wolves, these wolves possessed senses that were twice as keen. In other words, the party''s presence entered their reader far before they arrived here.

    However, the wolves didn''t move under the order of their alpha. Although Lucian and the others were intruders, the safety of the den''s inner structure took precedence over the outside area.

    "Go!" Lucian ordered.

    In response, Desmond clapped his hands together, dispersing the smokescreen one meter in front of him.

    Afterward, Adonis switched places with him and summoned two air springs in his palms before condensing their radii. Once done, Adonis displaced the smokescreen to block the entrance as far as one meter inside. Concurrently, he manipulated the airflow to restrict the smokescreen from dispersing further.

    "If you do use it, minimize your output. There are too many wolves to operate it at full capacity," Lucian said while giving Sylvia a faint warning. However, Sylvia wasn''t too sure of her capacity to accomplish this.

    Nevertheless, she still nodded and tried it.

    All of a sudden, Lucian''s pupils constricted. ''Danger!''

    "Adonis, Desmond! Fall back!" Lucian ordered.

    However, his warning appeared ill-timed as many figures darted through the smoke. Simultaneously, orangish waves of Mana pierced through with a faint heat signature.

    "That''s a damn Mana attack!" Desmond exclaimed.

    Szzt!

    "Ngh," Adonis clenched his jaw when he felt a searing pain on his shoulder and thigh. The attacks of these wolves were dangerous. So much so, Lucian was left with no choice but to put Sylvia down.

    After doing so, he reinforced his legs with an extreme amount of Mana before sprinting forward. The ground splintered under the obscene propulsion, and Lucian turned into a blur matching the color of the smoke.

    Lucian reached Desmond and Adonis in mere seconds before grabbing their collars and pulling them back. He then pierced through the smoke rather than retreating himself, only to find wolves at least 50 percent larger than the prior ones.

    Different from before, Lucian used both his palms and performed the cannon attack.

    Contrary to what he expected, these wolves worked together. Each of them executed a howling sound attack that merged into one reinforced sound wave.

    With the added pressure of three howls, it shattered Lucian''s attack, yet he didn''t seem fazed by this.

    Contrarily, Lucian retracted his hand before condensing the Mana right before his knuckles.

    BOOM!

    Lucian flew back after executing this strike. His body shot out of the smokescreen as he flipped and recovered himself. After catching himself, he looked over to his right, only to witness Quinn''s flippant actions.

    ?Alert: Possible ?Duplication? target located. Target: ?Recovery? D Rank. Assessing chances of success¡­ Probability: 100%. Do you wish to duplicate this ability? [Y/N]??

    This news surprised Lucian. It turned out Quinn''s ability was indeed a D Rank ability. This was the icing on the cake! Another possibility surfaced in Lucian''s mind because of this development.

 Chapter 52 - Dangerous Wolf Den

    ----

    Lucian remained in his position, with one hand braced on the ground as he read the astonishing news. Truth be told, this elated him as it was the first true experience with his new abilities.

    ?Alert: Possible ?Duplication? target located. Target: ?Recovery? D Rank. Assessing chances of success. Prerequisite analysis of the ability concluded. Required understanding obtained.?

    ?Alert: Probability: 100%. Do you wish to duplicate this ability? [Y/N]??

    The message flashed before Lucian''s eyes repeatedly as he took in the events of the battlefield. If he relied upon Quinn as their sole means of healing, then there was a chance that they would fail. After all, a large portion of the prior failures resulted from horrid timing.

    Thus, Lucian made the only acceptable choice.

    "I accept," Lucian muttered. Immediately after, there were countless digitals lines flowing in his eyes and they darted around aimlessly. The frantic eye movement was similar to REM sleep or a seizure, however, Lucian''s body was completely still.

    Even the incoming wolves didn''t rouse his reaction. As a result, a vicious glint circulated in their eyes. A large amount of Mana gathered within their claws in preparation to attack.

    Without a second thought, they pounced.

    Ahri''s eyes widened upon noticing this scene, "Lucian!"

    This was the first time she saw him freeze up. At first, she thought fear overcame him, but then she noticed this body movement. Or rather, the lack thereof. In cases of terror, the victim would usually tremble uncontrollably. Since this sign was absent from Lucian''s display, Ahri couldn''t understand the reason for his actions.

    Fortunately, Lucian didn''t linger in this state for too long.

    Right before the wolves landed their attacks, Lucian made a sudden movement and launched his right fist towards the jaw of one of the wolves. Simultaneously, he also angled his body so that the claws would only scratch a minimal surface.

    Before the wolves could retaliate properly, Lucian flipped over and delivered a sharp kick to the target of his earlier punch. As a result, the wolf''s jaw shattered and became unhinged.

    Pained yelps sounded, inciting the other wolves in the area to respond coldly. Rather than focusing on the others, Lucian drew all of their attention with this one action. Compared to the others, Lucian''s attacks were far more brutal.

    Aeran''s strikes were clean and dealt with the targets efficiently after disorienting them with his vibrational ability. Although it was less effective on these wolves than the others, it still helped immensely. Especially in the event of dealing with 2 or more wolves simultaneously.

    Finally, Quinn glanced over to Adonis and paled as he saw the gruesome wounds on his shoulders and thigh. This sight caused a flashback, which subsequently made him freeze up. He was of no service in this state, despite Ahri''s attempts to gain his attention.

    "Lucian! Quinn is unresponsive," Ahri exclaimed. Her arm glimmered with a soft yellow light, indicating the ensuing use of her ability.

    Lucian immediately noticed this and shook his head, "Don''t!"

    Instead of Quinn, Lucian raised his arm in Adonis'' direction with a focused expression. His internal Mana changed before adopting the needed healing properties. Afterward, a pleasant aura encased Adonis and healed him at a visible rate.

    Compared to Quinn''s heals on prior runs, Lucian''s was much more efficient despite being the same ability. As Quinn said before, he compromised most of his Mana flow when he entered this fragile state, resulting in an inadequate effect.

    Meanwhile, Adonis'' eyes widened when he felt the refreshing sensation of Lucian''s healing. "W-what the hell? You can heal too? Damn, just what can''t you do!?"

    "That''s beside the point. We''re wasting time, so we need to hurry this along. Based on my estimations, this den is at least 2km deep. It''ll take some time before we reach the expected boss. We can''t afford to dawdle now," Lucian responded.

    "Understood," Adonis nodded before instantly wreathing his feet with swirls of air. As he focused, the air underneath slowly morphed into the shape of a spring. Since he was used to high-speed combat, it only made sense to hasten it even further.

    Whoosh!

    With the assistance of his ability, Adonis rushed forth and nearly broke the sound barrier. However, with his Dexterity being higher than a D Ranked Awakened, he manipulated his body to properly channel most of the kinetic energy summoned by his movements.

    Lucian, on the other hand, focused on employing his crude method of flooding his muscles with Mana. Since he didn''t possess the ability to warp his external conditions, he had to rely on Amplification to maximize his vessel.

    His muscle swelled as a result of the Mana influx.

    Lucian then rushed forth without a second thought, "Sylvia, use your ability, please. Just not at maximum output, okay?"

    "Okay," Sylvia responded.

    With only 20-odd wolves left in the area, Lucian couldn''t justify sacrificing so much of her Mana. Thus, Sylvia employed her ability to restrict their movements marginally. This would limit the time spent traveling between foes.

    While rushing towards the wolves, Lucian''s hand flickered with minor explosions. The torrent of Mana activated the Meteorite Knuckle''s ability at its highest capacity. Hence, some of the explosions surged from within.

    Boom!

    Before even reaching the wolves, Lucian threw a frightening punching. Once again, the effects were similar to an air cannon, and the force imposed on the atmosphere caused a condensed block of air supercharged with Mana to hurtle towards the center of the wolves.

    Because Sylvia stood towards the area''s center, most of them were pulled without means to resist.

    And, as one would expect. The attack caused quite a few wolves to explode into a mess of shattered bones and pulverized flush. Without sparing them another glance, Lucian rushed forward before dealing with the other wolves.

    ?Alert: You have killed an Infernal Dire Wolf (D Rank). [Reward: 1.0 Enhancement Point]?

    ?Alert: You have killed an Infernal Dire Wolf (D Rank). [Reward: 1.0 Enhancement Point]?

    The message appeared within Lucian''s retina many times, but it wasn''t of importance right now. With just a few opponents left, their eradication took precedence.

    With shoddy rhythm, Lucian and the others killed the last of the wolves 20 seconds later.

    Once done, Lucian immediately walked towards Quinn and gave him a glare capable of chilling even the most hardened criminal''s bones, "Quinn!"

    "Agggggh!" Quinn screamed hysterically before covering his ears. The only thing the team could do was frown when they saw this performance. While they understand that death wasn''t easy to cope with, being this fragile wasn''t ideal for a Guardian.

    After all, they were beings surrounded by death without end. In fact, death was their quickest way to grow. At some point, it was recommended to just become inured to it.

    Nevertheless, Lucian couldn''t accept this state of mind.

    He grabbed Quinn''s collar and jostled him, "Get ahold of yourself. Think! What do you aim for in this life? To remain a coward who accomplishes nothing, or to become someone capable of supporting those who depend on him?"

    "I... I don''t know," Quinn muttered in a powerless tone. Tears fell from his eyes as if he was conflicted about something. "I am never enough¡­"

    "You can be," Lucian responded. From prior experiences, Lucian learned that consoling someone never really helped the issue. The best route was to determine a surefire way of instilling them with resolve.

    "No. You don''t understand. You haven''t watched your mother die to Outlaws!" Quinn screamed frantically.

    The moment Lucian heard Outlaw, he remembered a certain section of society. One that the Federation or Republic failed to regulate. In this district, all types of crimes took shelter. However, Outlaws were something much worse than a typical criminal.

    They are Awakeneds who used their powers for nefarious deeds. They couldn''t care less about the Fractured Monolith or the state of the world.

    Their only goal is to use their powers for personal gain, even if that meant others had to sacrifice in the process.

    Meanwhile, Lucian finally understood why Quinn felt so powerless. He possessed a share of personal deep-rooted trauma.

    "I can assist you. If it is vengeance you seek, then grow strong. Gain allies who align with your views and annihilate your enemies with your own hands. But, to do that, you''ll require genuine power; power that starts with this dangerous wolf den!"

    Listening to Lucian''s words, Quinn''s fist eventually clenched.

    "O-okay! You will help me?" Quinn asked before lifting his head to look into Lucian''s crimson eyes. They swirled with an enrapturing light while Lucian pondered an answer. Eventually, he found his answer.

    "But first, I need you to help us clear this place. This will be our first step."

    Before responding, Quinn exhaled. Difficult as it may be, Quinn tried to expel his negative thoughts. Almost as if a blockage was cleared, a vibrant stream of Mana flowed from his hands!

 Chapter 53 - Infernal Alpha Wolf

    ----

    The change in Quinn''s Mana flow surprised everyone. Although the strength didn''t change, the output stabilized beautifully now that Lucian promised to assist him in acquiring revenge. Even though laws existed to govern situations like this, punishing a Guardian was hard to enact.

    It was similar to reprimanding a corrupt government official at the highest level. While they seemed to receive punishment, in reality, it was only a slap on the wrist compared to what a civilian would receive. Likewise, Guardians were held with the highest renown, allowing them to escape the repercussions of some actions.

    For example, if provoked, then their retaliation wasn''t on them. Even if they were deemed a lethal weapon, it was the confrontational party at fault. Therefore, the authorities weren''t too keen about intervening.

    Finally, Lucian assessed Quinn''s stats. Since people with the healing ability fell under Natural Users, their ability required the use of the Spirit and Wisdom attribute to affect their output. At the same time, Dexterity and Agility were advised as well.

    This affected the fine control of Mana flow and the speed of the user''s manipulation. After all, the attributes weren''t limited to just honing the body. It influenced all of the traits that appeared after the Priming.

    Instead of allowing them time to marvel at this development, the team was instructed to expedite their actions.

    Until now, they had already consumed 13 minutes but have yet to enter the den of the boss. If they followed this pace, it would be hard to accomplish his goal. At the very most, they''d accomplish the goal that rewarded the tier 2 bonus.

    Although the specifics were still was a mystery, it was a downgrade, and that wasn''t what Lucian was aiming for.

    Suddenly, Lucian opened his inventory and downed a Lesser Mana Potion. After using Duplication, he was only left with 40% of his Mana Quotient.

    Mana was an indispensable tool if he wished to clear the den. It was an indispensable tool, proving to be the single most effective weapon in his arsenal. After all, his abilities depended on Mana even more heavily than the rest.

    "Desmond, Adonis; go!" Lucian ordered.

    Both of them gave a nod before rushing off towards the bend up ahead. Moments before disappearing behind it, Desmond gave a signal. Understanding its meaning, Lucian withdrew his bow before nocking it with 3 three arrows.

    Each of them were empowered by his Amplification ability before firing towards the bend''s wall. After making direct contact, the arrows ricocheted off the walls before producing a solid piercing noise.

    "Proceed," Lucian advanced before stomping his foot. His monstrous speed burst forth, allowing him to approach the bend in 4 seconds. As he slid towards the opening, Lucian caught a glimpse of the battle and fired arrow after arrow while still in a sliding motion.

    Afterward, he stowed his bow and withdrew his dual daggers. With the others close behind him, Lucian launched himself off the wall before throwing the daggers into the spines of the wolves below himself.

    Upon touching the floor, he took notice of a few objects of use. Lucian maneuvered a collection of stones deluged with Mana between his fingertips before hurling them towards the incoming wolves.

    Their savage expressions turned wary when they realized the stone blitzing towards them.

    Even the wolves coming from the depths of the den were subject to being Lucian''s targets.

    Meanwhile, Desmond enshrouded 4 projectiles in thick smoke before launching them. One dagger shadowed a few of Lucian''s stones after crossing paths. These particular stones sniped the eyes of three larges wolves in the back.

    However, despite his actions, their eyes healed quickly after and filled with fervent malice.

    Howl!

    A large sound wave demolished the walls and floors as it rushed towards Lucian and his party. Aeran''s eyes widened when he saw this. As his ability was comparable to the attack closing on them quickly, Aeran intercepted the responsibilities of handling this assault.

    A vibrating orb the size of a marble appeared between his thumb and forefinger as he extended it forward. While it didn''t grow any larger, it continued to condense until all the spacious holes filled themselves. Once that happened, his expression turned solemn.

    "Cover your ears!"

    Zingg!

    Adonis''s actions produced an unprecedented sound attack. The attack sped towards the ensuing sound wave before clashing together. Numerous cracks appeared when the violent vibrations caused the stones to crumble to ground-up minerals. The intensity of the collision was evident.

    Even Lucian was surprised because he had no idea the ability Aeran held was so powerful. If they had better team management, surely they would''ve cleared the second floor without Lucian''s help. While it is a tragedy, it seems improvement required a death in the team.

    Sometimes it took the direst of situations for change to commence.

    Nevertheless, while Aeran''s retaliation dealt with the attack, it didn''t deal with the source. The three massive wolves glared at the team while revealing their oversized fangs. In fact, each fang bubbled until it presented a sweltering cyan flame.

    "Damn, what the hell is that? Are those Alphas?!" Olov exclaimed. Compared to the earlier wolves, these ones were in another league. Their fangs produced flames, but it appeared it wasn''t only limited to that!

    "No. Those can''t be the Alpha. A pack can only have one alpha," Lucian answered with a thoughtful expression. "I might have been wrong. These might be the Betas. The earlier ones might''ve just been older wolves."

    "You think?!" Olov guffawed. His grip on his shield instinctively tightened. Something about these wolves didn''t feel like mere D Rank monsters. Perhaps they were like the Knoll Chieftain! After all, how would the difficulty between floors remain the same when growth was imminent?

    "Calm down. Your defense is much stronger than it was before. Be confident," Lucian responded. At the same time, he also retrieved his two daggers from the spine of the wolves while locking sights with the newcomers.

    Perhaps they took this as an instigation, but a deep snarl exited their throat. In light of this snarl, a sea of wolves appeared behind them one by one. From what they saw, the numbers seemed equal to the total wolves slain thus far!

    "Oh, what in the fuck. You''ve got to be kidding me," Olov groaned.

    "Yeah...that''s like...at least 150 wolves. What do you expect us to do?" Desmond added while taking a step back.

    "We fight," Lucian said as his gaze grew frigid. A crimson sheen emanated from his eyes as he subconsciously heightened the activation of his Hypervigilance. Mana flooded his eyes and the internal flow of the wolves became visible.

    "Raise all stats to D+," Lucian muttered to himself.

    ?Alert: Endurance: E+ ¡ú D- ¡ú D ¡ú D+ [10 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Dexterity: D ¡ú D+ [4 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Vitality: E+ ¡ú D- ¡ú D ¡ú D+ [10 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Spirit: D ¡ú D+ [4 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ?Alert: Wisdom: D ¡ú D+ [4 Enhancement Points consumed.]?

    ...

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

    Fractal Rating: D+ (C+)

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 175/225 (3.75 MQ per min)

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D+

    ?Agility: D+

    ?Endurance:D+

    ?Dexterity: D+

    ?Vitality: D+

    ?Perception: D+

    ?Spirit: D+

    ?Wisdom: D+

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 51.6

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

    ?Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

    ?Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    Over 30 points vanished from Lucian''s collection of points, but the power-up was worth it. Just a single upgrade for his wisdom stat, yet Lucian''s MQ rose by a great deal.

    The feeling of reinvigoration filled Lucian''s body as he took off. Lucian moved without restraint as an endless stream of Mana inundated his daggers. While the wolves held the advantage in numbers, this was in fact their disadvantage as well.

    Although the wolf den was large, this pathway could only hold so many bodies at once. With the large influx of wolves, they could move within a limited area. Seeing as Lucian''s specialty was being a sharpshooter, a motionless target was the best scenario for him.

    Preparations weren''t even needed as Lucian threw the daggers into the midst of the wolves. At least 5 of them fell in quick succession once the weapon passed through their skulls and continued forward.

    As the others noticed this fact, they stopped being as scared. "Damn it! How embarrassing of me. Even if there are many, what good is it if they can''t move?!" Desmond chuckled with a light blush on his cheeks.

    Following in Lucian''s footsteps, he also unleashed a torrent of projectiles into the mass of wolves.

    Now that the team found their opening, they all moved to capitalize on them. While they took care of the outskirts, Lucian advanced towards the three large wolves. However, he froze unexpectedly.

    He could feel a dreadful presence directing its attention at him. Two enormous eyes stared at him not too far away. The piercing silver eyes bore into him, but Lucian returned the same gaze.

    He had located the Alpha!

 Chapter 54 - Limit Release (I)

    ----

    "Do you all see that back there?" Lucian muttered while making eye contact with the savage eyes in the distance. An impending sense of doom assaulted his mind as he stared into its eyes. Although it didn''t affect his mental state, Lucian was aware of some of the team''s weak links.

    Even though he made some progress in handling Quinn, if danger was forthcoming then there was no telling how much Quinn would revert to his prior ways. As for Lucian, he didn''t have other cards up his sleeve to jolt Quinn''s mental evolution again.

    The only thing Lucian could do was try to minimize the issue as much as possible. Thus, he brought the frightening presence to their attention immediately. It removed the element of surprise in case they failed to sense the threat with their current perception.

    "I see it! What the hell is that thing? If the eyes are that massive, it must be goddamn enormous!" Desmond exclaimed. In light of Lucian order''s he raised all of his attributes to the D+ standard based on their use in his attack style.

    At a glance, the top 4 needed attributes for him were Strength, Agility, Perception, and Dexterity. Seeing as he was a ranged fighter, these 4 attributes combined could elevate his capabilities to new heights. After all, with his abilities, the sensory side of the battle took precedence.

    Like most abilities, Desmond''s came with a huge drawback. The smoke he created compromised his vision as well. While some stronger abilities mended their weaknesses, it was clear Desmond''s ability had not reached that level yet. Although his ranking was undisclosed, Lucian estimated it to be lower than A Rank.

    Otherwise, such a glaring weakening wouldn''t exist.

    "I see it as well. Will it be a problem? How should we move forward?" Ahri questioned. While asking this, she also activated her ability while grasping a wolf''s neck. Several bubbles appeared on its neck as it whimpered and thrashed about before dying.

    Afterward, Ahri sped off in the direction of her next target. Simultaneously, she kept her attention fixated on the three gigantic wolves. While the smaller ones were limited to a certain area, the other three were too shocking. Their leaping ability was immaculate, allowing them to soar over the others underneath with ease.

    "Damn! That''s not good at all," Olov shouted before moving to intercept one of them. With a strong dash, Olov arrived right under the gigantic wolf closest to him. However, after bearing the brunt of the attack, Olov was devastated by the strength behind their attacks.

    Even after redirecting the force, there was still enough residual force to sink his feet into the ground. Not to mention, the weight of the wolves was absurd. If Sylvia were to attempt attracting one of them, the immense strain was bound to damage her internally!

    "My lord! These fucking things are heavy. Stop feeding them dammit!" Olov bellowed. A strange light illuminated his body as he attempted to push the wolf back. However, even after roaring and amplifying his Mana output, the wolf proved to be an immovable wall.

    Upon noticing this, Lucian''s eyes narrowed. If these three wolves, who were previously unaccounted for, produced this much of a time-consuming issue, then how strong was that mystifyingly large wolf in the distance?!

    Before acting, Lucian exhaled and viewed the battlefield from a subjective viewpoint. The positioning of his team entered his mind as small dots while the wolves appeared as lines of varying thickness. At first, Lucian didn''t understand why they appeared this way.

    But, a hieroglyph in his mind started vibrating. The change caused a chain reaction as each point in his mind brightened with several unique densities. After a few seconds, Lucian understood their meaning.

    ''This is their Mana Signature! So perhaps this is what the skill description meant by my mind will know when my eyes fail. I can see it!''

    Immediately, Lucian pinpointed the mismatched opponents. The gigantic wolves didn''t require 1 but 2 of their members to neutralize them. Or, at the very least, the required the strongest one in the party.

    After comparing the densities, Lucian found that his own triumphed over the three wolves. Although their ranking appeared on the same on the surface, a Limit Refinement differed greatly from a regular Refinement. If not, the Limitless Stone wouldn''t be fit to be called a sacred item.

    The difference lied in the divide caused by the stone''s presence. Each level possessed a uniform power increase according to the Fractured Monolith indications, but the Limitless Stone bypassed that and set a unique standard for Lucian.

    To reach that standard, not only did the item need to be unique, it needed to be unsurpassed in a certain field. That and it needed to be strong enough for even higher existences to revere, hence its classification as a sacred item.

    Suddenly, Lucian''s eyes flung open, and he burst forth while moving at a baffling speed. A loud crash was heard about a second later as Lucian turned his head toward Olov with a faint smile.

    "Kill it," Lucian ordered. The wolf''s body was embedded into the wall with two pronounced indents on its ribs. On the other hand, Lucian''s body was overflowing with a monstrous Mana signature.

    ?Alert: The first activation of ?Limit Release? has been exhausted. Ability deemed to be inferior state along with the vessel. Granted Over-Release: 25%?

    ?Alert: ?Limit Release? flow directed towards the limbs. Strength and Agility raised to C Standard.?

    After reading the notification, it elated Lucian for two reasons. One reason was that it seemed he possessed the ability to temporarily enter a new standard depending on the area he deluged with Mana.

    The other reason was simple. If the first activation was the weakest of the three, then the other two were bound to be much stronger. The only gripe he had with the ability was the unknown aftereffects. Would it reduce his stats? Would the sudden jump in strength raise flags with the Overseers monitoring? Could he be weakened afterward?

    The wanton use of the skill was too risky. After experiencing its effects, Lucian learned just how careful he needed to be with it. ''I''ve never heard of an ability capable of elevating one''s strength so much and I don''t wish to be the first target. Let''s do things sensibly.''

    "Ahri, assist Olov. Desmond; you and Adonis handle the surrounding wolves. Aeran, come with me," Lucian instructed before pausing, "We''re going to clear an uncontested path."

    "W-Whoa! Are we going to charge right into that mess? Heh, count me in!" Aeran smirked. Rippling tendrils composed of pure vibrations waved back and forth. Afterward, it converged into a single point, which extended Aeran''s range by 1 meter.

    "A new technique, I assume?" Lucian commented before rushing forth.

    "Likewise," Arean shouted while noticing the change in Lucian''s billowing aura. The palpable change was strong enough to warp the immediate space around him.

    Bang!

    Suddenly, a terrifying explosion jostled Aeran awake from his stupor. In a daze, he identified the cause after witnessing Lucian''s bizarre actions. A single punch and the closest gigantic wolf was pushed back!

    ''A monster! This guy is en route to becoming a monster,'' Aeran thought. Gradually, his shock turned into an excited grin, ''I hope we can become one as well. Only a monster can cultivate other monsters.''

    Whoosh!

    Aeran stormed forward while his own aura escalated. Emptying 24 Enhancement Points, he elevated his combat attributes to the peak of the D standard. This, accompanied by his fluid sword movements, turned Aeran into a grim reaper alongside Lucian.

    While Lucian pushed back the large wolf, delivering forceful blows to drive it back and deal with straggling wolves at the same time, Aeran handled his rear. Any of the wolves that flooded behind Lucian were dealt with quickly.

    Hesitation wasn''t permitted as the slightest delay in attack would give the wolves the window needed to attack Lucian. As their unofficial leader and the most valuable asset to the team, Aeran couldn''t allow that.

    The extension added to his sword emitted a nearly inaudible screech. However, the frequency was fatal to the wolves as every time Aeran passed by they froze. In that tiny window, a perfect cut appeared on all of their throats.

    Only after Aeran moved on to the next target did blood endlessly spray from the wounds.

    Witnessing this scene of gore, Ahri questioned this team. ''Where did this drive come from? Compared to before, it''s like a new flame has invigorated everyone; even me. Is this the effect he has on people? Or, was this just his goal for us? Wherever he came from and whatever he experienced, his previous team is a bunch of fools.''

    After realizing Lucian''s prowess, Ahri couldn''t imagine a scenario wherein she would jeopardize his presence in the team. For one, his strength was frightening, and so was the distant gaze he gave everyone.

    On top of that, Ahri saw his worth as incalculable.

    Meanwhile, the numbers of the wolves continued to dwindle. But, a large upheaval drew Ahri''s attention away from her thoughts.

 Chapter 55 - Limit Release (II)

    ----

    Accompanied by the strong tremor, a colossal head appeared from within the shadows. A coat of fine crimson fur and a collection of unblemished white fur surrounded the head as a pair of frigid silver eyes stared at the party.

    Ahri was unsure if it was just her imagination, but to her, it seemed like the wolf was smiling from the manner of baring its fangs. Shortly after, the rest of its body appeared. Horror filled Ahri''s eyes as the absurd size of the wolf was on full display.

    Based on what she saw, Ahri was almost certain this wolf was over 5 meters tall. This was a first for her. To her knowledge, there was no way a wolf could grow so large. Even after the Priming, there was no record of such a wolf existing.

    Certainly, something was amiss.

    Surprisingly, after showing itself, the wolf didn''t make a move and simply sifted its gaze throughout the battlefield. After a brief pause, the wolf zeroed in on Lucian, the sole Guardian drawing near its position.

    An intelligent gleam circulated in the wolf''s eyes as it took a single step forward. Although it seemed inconsequential, a sea of flames rose from the ground, intending to swallow Lucian. The surge of flames was three times larger than its underlings.

    So much so, Lucian felt a threat from the approaching heat.

    Without any other choice, Lucian could only dodge to the side while flinging his dagger towards the new foe. The best choice, in this case, was to opt for a mutually destructive attack. Unfortunately, while the other wolves failed to cope with his lightning-quick projectiles, this particular wolf swiped Lucian''s dagger out of the air with ease.

    Judging by this display alone, Lucian felt something was off.

    Compared to any of the other wolves, this colossal wolf manipulated Mana in the same way that a Guardian did. If its movements weren''t just based on savagery, then Lucian understood that this situation had just taken a turn for the worse.

    In addition to this display of exquisite flame control, there were still a massive amount of wolves in the area! Although the team neutralized the three larger wolves, the reduced number of wolves returned their ability to act freely.

    Moreover, it seemed they retained no empathy for their dead kin. They stepped on, as well as over their bodies, to deal with Olov and the others. Meanwhile, even if Lucian wished to help, the Alpha held him in place!

    Admittedly, this was his most challenging opponent to date. Thus, Lucian took extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone.

    As the leader, that responsibility fell on his shoulder. Fortunately, monitoring the boss gave Lucian some vital information about his opponent. Though what he saw wasn''t exactly comforting.

    ''So this is why it''s called the second floor. Although I don''t know how strong the boss was, based on the residual signs I saw...it wasn''t as strong as this one. This beast has already entered the C Rank!'' Lucian surmised.

    ¡¸Name: Infernal Doom Wolf

    Ranking: C (Minor)

    Type: Elemental/Physical

    Health: 100%

    Strength: C Agility: C+

    Wisdom: C- Dexterity: C-¡¹

    Not only did Lucian recall that a monster possessed fewer stats, he remembered they melded as one to recreate the same stats in a Guardian''s possession. But, there was another issue. The C Rank was known by another moniker, the first watershed. Once this threshold was broken into, the effectiveness of each stat increased exponentially.

    Although it wasn''t as conspicuous as entering the S Rank threshold, it was the first milestone. Meaning a drastic increase in price for increase. Hence, the reason why Lucian himself was refraining from exhausting his points.

    After all, the 10 point requirement was exorbitant, but it wasn''t the complete issue. The preceding ranks all possessed a stagnant cost, but even the minor levels of the C Rank possessed an escalating cost.

    Simply put, the price to upgrade to C and C+ wasn''t constant.

    Sadly, Lucian wasn''t in a position to back out. His options were limited; either manage to kill this wolf in the remaining 7 minutes or don''t and fail to satisfy his goals. Needless to say, with how much effort he funneled into this run, it didn''t sit right with Lucian.

    ''I''ve come way too far to meet an insurmountable wall at the end. This is not how it ends,'' Lucian thought. The current conditions weighed heavily on his mind, contributing immensely towards his next actions.

    Without hesitation, Lucian popped the cork on two Lesser Mana Recovery elixirs and downed their contents.

    Just relying on his natural recovery rate wasn''t enough to counter his expenditure. Outside help was needed.

    ''Asking the others to assist me would be too dangerous. The minion wolves could attack at any given moment and even minor wounds will negatively impact our chances. Injuries lead to mistakes, and mistakes to death,'' Lucian surmised.

    Although it was fleeting, Lucian looked towards Quinn. Though he remained by the entrance, he wasn''t shaking, which shocked Lucian. Furthermore, his hands were preemptively coated with a hint of milky Mana.

    Whenever Olov or another member of the team received an injury, Quinn directed the Mana towards their position. It was a strenuous task, but he now understood how to manage his stress because his role was vital to their success.

    Compared to an active ability, elixirs paled in comparison. Unless it was the higher versions only found in the high levels of the Fractured Monolith.

    "A-Aeran. Can you help Olov," Quinn yelled with a strained voice. He felt faint from the constant use of his Mana. Since everyone was relying upon the heavy usage of their ability for this run, the exhaustion of resources was great. In addition to that, their actions pushed their limits, causing them to teeter on the edge of complete exhaustion constantly.

    Besides, consuming items provided openings for the wolves. And oftentimes those openings were taken advantage of, which resulted in Quinn''s involvement. Hence, his current state.

    "I''ll try!" Aeran responded before moving towards Olov. Meanwhile, he gazed at Lucian, who attempted to keep the Infernal Doom Wolf at bay, albeit barely. ''We need to help him! We aren''t clearing these pesky wolves fast enough and because of that, he could end up in serious danger!''

    Aeran''s thoughts flowed rapidly while his expression changed. A mixture of pain and anger appeared on his face as not just his sword, but even his body emitted vibrations. In truth, while all abilities possessed an innate ranking, it depended on their user to weaponize their efficiency.

    Each ability hid a reservoir of potential. It just required the needed catalyst. Mana alone wasn''t enough to evolve an ability. Powerful emotions often accomplished the task.

    However, there was always a risk hidden in the shadows of a sudden evolution. Aeran''s body trembled after experiencing the effects of these new vibrations. Apart from the new strain on his body, the ground under his feet turned soft, similar to quicksand after being subjected to the amplified frequency.

    "W-what is that?!" Desmond groaned while holding his ears. Although the vibrations weren''t strong enough to affect them before, it was a different story now. Aeran''s current application of sound waves approached supersonic levels powerful enough to inadvertently harm his teammates.

    Luckily, he wasn''t unconscious and realized an issue with this haphazard display. ''Oh god, what''s happening? I can''t control it!''

    Lucian noticed something going awry behind him and spared some attention. It seemed even more inconvenient contingencies appeared. One dire enough to threaten their clearance. While it wasn''t intentional, it was still detrimental to Lucian''s cause, nonetheless.

    As a result, Lucian was left with no other choice.

    ?Alert: The second activation of ?Limit Release? has been exhausted. Remnants of the first activation were found. Superimposed effect activated. Granted Over-Release: 45%?

    ?Alert: ?Limit Release? directed at limbs. Strength and Agility raised to C+ Standard.?

    Even though it was a 20% increase, it was only enough to raise Lucian''s two abilities to the peak of the C standard, which spoke volumes of the divide between the C and B standards. As the advancements progressed, the power gap would only steepen.

    Which is why the Guardian Corps existed. A Guardian''s vessel was the strongest weapon Alteria possessed. Even if the strength varied, there had to be a reason for the divide in strength.

    It wasn''t ideal for everyone to hold the same amount of strength. A disparity in worth is needed to establish a proper organization. Otherwise, nothing would get done. It would become whim over order.

    "Come!" Lucian bellowed before dashing towards the Infernal Doom Wolf. The best course of action was to deal with the boss before his period of increased strength elapsed. As of right now, Lucian wasn''t sure of the duration.

 Chapter 56 - Limit Release (III)

    ----

    Limit Release, or just any of his new abilities, in general, were basically a mystery to Lucian. Aside from Amplification and the Duplication ability, which only managed to copy Quinn''s ability thus far, he had yet to utilize the others for combat.??

    Fortunately, the Amplification ability was just an upgrade to his earlier Reinforce, so he was familiar with its usages. But, when it came to the matters of Limit Release, Lucian was at an impasse, especially so for its consequences. Nevertheless, Lucian could only make his guess as to what the defining factor for his ability''s duration was.

    Either it was based on his remaining Mana Quotient, or it came with a built-in duration, but it was just undisclosed for the moment.

    Still, since he couldn''t verify that as of right now, the only other option was to end this battle before those mysterious afflictions appeared. So, Lucian immediately rushed the boss while emitting powerful ripples of energy.

    Similar to Lucian, the boss charged as well and its agility was absolutely unheard of. Its large frame turned into a blur, which matched Lucian''s current movement speed.

    Unsurprisingly, their similar stats gave neither side the upper hand. Within Lucian''s unusual Limit Refinement, the increase each of his stats gave was on par with this inhuman monster.

    Hence, the reason for his Hypervigilance disclosing his evaluation as equal to the wolves. Contrary to Lucian''s belief, his Hypervigilance didn''t just determine Mana volume, it took into account all the examinee''s parameters.

    Bang! Bang!

    Lucian and the boss collided numerous times, and each impact caused a great amount of damage. Even some of the dead bodies were annihilated by the aftershock of their Mana ripples, not to mention some of the nearby rocks were leveled.

    Yet, despite the destructive effect of his knuckles, Lucian failed to shatter the boss''s claws as intended.

    ''Just what its claws made of? If can, I want to extract them. Perhaps I can conduct some test or even sell it off. Surely this place has a method of exchanging found materials, right?'' Lucian thought.

    All of a sudden, an orb of cerulean flames gathered in the wolf''s maw. With its insane gathering rate, Lucian didn''t have the opportunity to dodge.

    He could only cross his arms and withstand the attack.

    Szzzzzzt!

    The armor protecting Lucian''s body sizzled from the immense heat of the attack. Simultaneously, his health meter dropped notably. Against the attacks of this monster, the protective gear he wore didn''t stand a chance.

    Still, Lucian wasn''t deterred by this development. Instead, he advanced while under the assault of the flames. Eventually, he appeared from within the sweltering flames and landed a clean blow on the wolf''s jaw, forcing it to take a few steps back.

    With most of his armor now melted, Lucian tore it off his body and gazed at the Infernal Doom Wolf with a menacing gaze. Dastardly thoughts flowed through his mind as he thought of how much Merge Tokens had gone down the drain with this run alone.

    "Your death will correct all expenses and sacrifices we have made," Lucian muttered. Suddenly, his hair started to flow upwards as a crimson aura materialized from his eyes. Once that appeared, a surge of translucent light surrounded his body.

    ''Just the second activation isn''t enough. At best, I''m on par with this monster. If I wish to win, then I''ll have to overwhelm it without remorse,'' Lucian inwardly thought. Until now, he wanted to refrain from using the last activation of Limit Release, because as it was the last activation, and possessed a large expenditure of Mana, Lucian was almost certain the aftereffects were terrible.

    Sadly, reality usually didn''t permit the best-case scenario. In fact, more often than not, the frequently occurring outcome was typically the worst one possible.

    ?Alert: The third activation of ?Limit Release? has been exhausted. Due to all three usage being used, the temporary state of ?Shattered Limits? is achieved.?

    ?Alert: ?Shattered Limits? has affected all of your stats. As a result, each one will be forcefully elevated by 100%.?

    "Argh!" Lucian roared as his body thrummed with a bizarre energy signature, the wave he emitted was near identical to the wave issued from that mysterious lab found in the mysterious lab on his chosen first floor.

    ?Alert: Your ranking has been temporarily raised to the B Standard. [Remaining Time: 13 seconds.]?

    Although Lucian released an absurd aura, this bizarre increase in power would only last for 13 seconds! Typically, such a small time frame wasn''t enough to deal with such a difficult foe, but with the feeling coursing through Lucian at this moment, he had no qualms about his short window.

    Boom!

    An explosion took place as Lucian dashed forward at an astonishing speed. He closed the distance between him and the boss in an instant. His movement eclipsed the reaction speed of the boss, causing it to fail to respond.

    Without pausing, Lucian landed a strike that blew the wolf''s left leg that obliterated the bones. It was akin to a bag of crushed glass, but the wolf didn''t even whimper. Instead, it unleashed a swarm of fiery attacks all aimed at Lucian.

    If it was in a regular situation, Lucian would dodge this torrent of flame attacks with ease, however, unleashing that strike also left his own arm numb. Although the effects of having shattered limits were intoxicating, the pain that followed its usage wasn''t.

    It was painful enough to cause Lucian to halt for a moment. ''This discomfort,'' Lucian thought while clenching his first. But, he was at a point where he couldn''t stop.

    Before the flames managed to touch him, Lucian disappeared from where he stood.

    His teammates in the background stared in shock as they watch Lucian moved at a speed that defied their current ranking. Compared to them, he was at least five times faster. They could only capture faint glimpses of his movement before once again losing track of his location.

    "A-Are you seeing this shit right now?" Olov exclaimed. This was a mix of horror and marvel laced into his expression. After all, he had never heard of someone possessing an ability which enabled them to strengthen themselves fivefold.

    Even the leaders of the Guardian Corps didn''t possess such an ability they have all long since earned their ranking as S Rank Guardians.

    "I''m seeing it! But, damn, I''m just not believing it!" Desmond replied in just as much shock. Even Aeran paused his haphazard vibrations for a moment. At this point, most if not all of the wolves were dead, so they intended to help Lucian, but after witnessing this scene, they weren''t sure if it was such a bright idea.

    "Should we help?" Adonis added, wondering if it was better for them to just join in. However, Ahri gave her own thoughts, which made the others rethink their decisions.

    "I don''t think so. At least, not yet. If he can''t solo it then we''ll help him finish it off. But, if we don''t approach it and let him kill it alone, he''ll receive 100% of the point. If that happens, then we''ll be essentially paying off our debts."

    "That''s true, but what if he takes it as us abandoning him and waiting for him to die or something?" Olov added. If he was in the situation and his team didn''t render aid, he''d immediately believe they were condemning him to death.

    Therefore, he projected this same belief onto Lucian''s actions.

    "Oh, that''s also a possible outcome as well. Well, now I don''t know has to answer you," Ahri answered with a bitter smile.

    "No need to overthink, he was the one who gave us our roles. If he needs our assistance, I''m sure he''ll call for it...WHAT IN THE FUCK!?" Desmond''s voice petered out before being taken aback by Lucian''s ludicrous actions.

    He burst directly through the wolf''s flames, unaffected by its fire save for the faint scorching marks on his front torso. What''s more, he didn''t even acknowledge the pain before grabbing the wolf''s arm and slamming into the ground.

    Straightway, he landed a seismic punch that formed a ring-shaped crater of varying depths spanning the origin of his strike.

    Watching this display, the others could only shake their head.

    "Nope, doesn''t need our help. Let him handle it," Sylvia murmured while peeking from behind Olov''s burly body.

    But, what they didn''t understand was that only 3 seconds remained for Lucian''s temporary state of glory!

 Chapter 57 - Improvised Decision, A Manifestation Attempt

    ----

    Although Lucian appeared to be brimming with strength, the effects of his Shattered Limits wasn''t as simple as they seemed. What was depicted on the surface didn''t necessarily match the state of Lucian''s internals.

    Many of his muscle fibers were on the brink of tearing from the rampant influx of overly volatile Mana. Yet, despite his overwhelming pain, Lucian focused only on the boss before him, as he understood the weight of what he needed to accomplish.

    ''Bear with me for a little while longer,'' Lucian thought to himself before fortifying his body with the Amplification ability. However, to Lucian''s surprise, the effect wasn''t quite as he expected.

    None of the pain was handled, nor did his body feel any stronger. According to the current state of his body, entering this threshold rendered his abilities mostly ineffective. Although the ranking of abilities didn''t automatically determine how effective they would be on an enemy, it did give an understanding as to how powerful they could become.

    Therefore, Lucian''s D+ Rank Amplification was incapable of augmenting his body any further. Part of this was also due to the usage of the Limit Release ability itself. While it elevated his attributes to new heights, it was also far too early for him to reap the true benefits of this state.

    ''Am I so far beyond my threshold? Then, could augmentation skills, attack skills, and even healing abilities all have different principles behind them?'' Lucian wondered. Suddenly, he dodged to the side, avoiding a lightning-quick bite from the Infernal Dire Wolf.

    Immediately after, Lucian''s eyes narrowed as he darted towards the boss. The remaining three seconds of his time seemed to elapse at a snail''s pace as the speed he moved around with caused him to complete many actions in a negligible amount of time.

    Boom! Boom! Boom!

    A string of terrifying strikes caused some ghastly exploding to echo against the hollow cave wall. Following that, a catastrophic rumble was heard as the Infernal Dire Wolf''s colossal body slammed against the wall.

    Lucian landed after the strike, but a faint woozy feeling overcame him. It wasn''t overwhelming, but the feeling wasn''t exactly comforting. Furthermore, droplets of blood appeared on his finger as he touched his nose.

    It seems his limits weren''t the only thing being shattered. Without delay, Lucian slapped his hand coated in a milky white aura against his chest. However, despite his actions, his symptoms only continued to worsen.

    While the aura was healing him, it was incomparable to the rate at which his body was being damaged. Finally, Lucian was forced to make a choice. Would he sacrifice it all right now to end it? Or, would he first succumb to the pain?

    Obviously, the latter was never an option. Therefore, he took a look at his first ability unlocked by absorbing the Limitless Stone. The ability of Manifestation, or simply put, the creation skill attached to it.

    Although it was a matter completely unfamiliar to Lucian, the description was straightforward. It was an ability that was only as strong as his own imagination. But, in his current predicament, it was quite difficult to discern the most effective route for him.

    What was the pragmatic choice? Did he need a weapon? A skill to deliver untold levels of damage? Something strong enough to alter to layout this place and make it beneficial for not just him, but his team as well?

    There were simply too many choices and each one of them gave some benefit that would help him end this situation quickly. However, outside of the side choice, each of the other options left the remainder of the task up to his teammates.

    Despite having made ample progress, Lucian truly wasn''t sure if they were up to the task of dealing with this opponent. Even though most of its offensive abilities were compromised due to Lucian''s actions, its defenses were still horrifying!

    Not to mention that Lucian was only able to overpower it after temporarily becoming on par with a B Rank Guardian, whereas his teammates were barely C Rank Guardians as of right now.

    Hence, Lucian exhaled and glanced at the remaining two seconds. ''Will it be enough to fabricate something? It must be¡­''

    Meanwhile, Ahri narrowed her eyes while looking at the faint inaction between Lucian and the boss. ''Something''s wrong¡­ up until now, Lucian''s been on the constant move, delivering a flurry of strikes to the boss.''

    The sudden yet hard to perceive change didn''t escape Ahri''s observation. She felt something was wrong as soon as Lucian took this break. But, then her eyes widened as she witnessed a familiar shadow seeping from an unknown fracture in space.

    At a glance, it seemed similar to Desmond''s ability of Shadow Manipulation, but upon closer inspection, the feeling was quite right. At most, Desmond''s ability was useful for creating an obstructive haze, but the shadows in Lucian''s hands seemed to be for another purpose.

    All of a sudden, all of the shadowy embers that seeped from the rift flowed between Lucian''s palms as he lifted his arms while spreading them apart. Although it was crude at the best, the shadows coalesced into something resembling a spear, but a miniature form of it.

    However, Lucian also understood that 2 seconds was far from enough to win the battle. That was, if this matter was done by himself. "Aeran! I need you to unleash your strongest set of vibrations right now!" Lucian roared as the spear continued to grow.

    "R-right now? But it''ll damage everyone else as well," Aeran yelled back.

    However, this was a risk Lucian was willing to take. "DO IT!"

    "Right," Aeran nodded. In the next instant, his entire body trembled as the rocks beneath his feet were pulverized, turning to grainy bits as a result of the supersonic vibrations being emitted from his body.

    There was only one shot, but if Lucian had some assistance, then he was more than confident. Even if Aeran''s aim was shoddy, the current instability of his ability increased the range of its effects.

    On the other hand, the Infernal Dire Wolf climbed from within the wall. Although it sought to retaliate, it was difficult for it to act due to the placement of Lucian''s strike. Each one of them either landed on the wolf''s hind legs or its torso.

    Just the fact that it was standing was shocking.

    Still, just because it could barely move didn''t mean that all of its fight was gone from its body. It opened its large maw, moving an astonishing amount of Mana. It didn''t take more than half a second for its mouth to be filled to the brim with tyrannical flames.

    Meanwhile, Lucian''s eyes narrowed while the spear made of shadowy embers spun around and sharpened over and over.

    ''No matter what you do, we will clear this floor today and we will claim that reward,'' Lucian thought to himself. But, before his actions were complete, the wolf released its already prepared flames.

    Although he wanted to dodge, Lucian couldn''t. As this was an ability he had no experience with, the slightest lapse in focus would cause him to lose all of the progress made.

    Thus, Lucian could only tank the attack and hope it was within the threshold of his defenses. If not, then this battle would change from one of confidence to one where his victory relied upon his dangerous behavior.

    But, just before the powerful surge of flames greeted his body, the shadow of a robust figure appeared before Lucian with a large tower shield. "Don''t cha worry your sweet tooshie. I got ya boss!"

    Olov braced himself after arriving in the right spot with an apt usage of his Instantaneous ability. Still, the power behind the strike of this boss was not to be taken lightly. Although it was a mere flame attack, Olov''s eyes widened in shock when he felt the impact of the strike.

    Nearly fainting, he could only think in horror, ''This is the amount of force he was required to withstand?! How¡­ was this floor clearable? The demand is too great!''

    Despite his thoughts, Olov remained in place, bearing the full brunt of the flames while Lucian looked at him with a subtle change in expression.

    By no means was this a move the other team would have made. Without a doubt, he would''ve been sacrificed.

    Just then, Lucian''s eyes narrowed because it was time. His time had all but run out, but the attack was ready.

    "Aeran, release it now!"

 Chapter 58 - Managing The Improbable

    ----

    After hearing Lucian''s command, Aeran didn''t waste any time in releasing his ability to its fullest capacity. As a result, Ahri and the others were forced to cover their ears in pain while the remaining wolves were all temporarily disabled by the vibrations.

    If not for this effect, then the rest of the team would have been sitting ducks. Thankfully, with the help of Lucian''s earlier decisions, the three strongest wolves were the first to be killed.

    Because, according to Aeran''s estimations, those three would still be able to move under the effects of his ability. Just slowing them down wasn''t enough if the others were all out of commission.

    Nevertheless, since it wasn''t a worry, Aeran didn''t dwell on this matter for much longer before narrowing his eyes. A frightening vein wriggled on his temple as he strained himself to condense the unstable range as much as possible.

    It was a painful attempt, but it was crucial he did so.

    Just then, an audible cracking sound was heard as the spear launched towards the boss displayed signs of shattering! However, Lucian''s expression didn''t change because whether it shattered or not was inconsequential at this point.

    What mattered was the introduction of Aeran''s ability.

    So, while watching the scene unfold, Lucian fell to one knee as his countenance paled. Less than a second later, his color became deathly.

    Still, he raised his hand towards the spear while slowly clenching it into a fist to keep the spear together until it reached its target. By the time he did so, the shocking vibrations came in contact with his spear, and right then, an astonishing sight took place.

    Akin to glass, the shadow spear shattered, but the place it shattered couldn''t be more horrifying for the boss. Instinctively, the wolf had howled upon sensing danger. Regrettably, it was the most foolish mistake it could''ve made because it gave direct access to its insides.

    And, since this shadow spear was manifested with every last bit of Mana remaining in Lucian''s body, it was quite strong. So strong that the resulting exploding caused the wolf''s body to bloat.

    "Get down!" Ahri screamed with widened eyes when she noticed its body inflating without end.

    Everyone took cover except for two people¨DOlov and Lucian¨Dwho were located not even 10 meters away from the wolf''s body. However, Lucian wasn''t in the state to move because there was less than a tenth of a second remaining on the duration of his Shattered Limits.

    Meanwhile, Olov''s body felt like lead after bearing the brunt of the boss'' desperate attack. Therefore, these two were akin to sitting ducks. That was, until Lucian picked up Olov''s shield with that last morsel of strength coursing through his body.

    Bang!

    Lucian slammed the shield into the ground, embedding a quarter of it into the floor while leaning over Olov''s body, "Don''t cha worry~ I got ya this time," Lucian remarked, even copying Olov''s tone with a wink.

    All Olov could do was widen his eyes before entering a world of disoriented silence.

    BOOM!

    A horrendous explosion took place scattering mutilated chunks of organs, flesh, and even bones everywhere! In fact, as Olov''s eyes turned to the side, they widened in horror.

    A fractured bone punctured right through the shield. Fortunately, it was located in a spot situated right between him and Lucian. After seeing no signs of blood, Olov released a relieved sigh.

    "Don''t you scare me like that, boy! You have big cajones but¡­ boy? Boy?!" Olov panicked, looking at Lucian''s deathly pale face. Even his eyes were unfocused as he continued leaning over Olov.

    A notification appeared before his blurry vision.

    ¡´The state of ?Shattered Limits? has elapsed. A period of extreme weakness will follow this.¡µ

    ¡´There is an option to reduce the period of weakness. Do you wish to do so? [Y/N]?¡µ

    Instead of giving an answer to the stone, Lucian barely held it together. A mind-splitting headache assaulted him, which made it feel like his head was being bashed into a cement wall endlessly.

    Finally, Lucian managed to read another message underneath.

    ¡´The resource that will be used to reduce the duration will be your Accumulated Destinies.¡µ

    ''My Accumulated Destinies? Aren''t those too precious to squander? That''s how I get stronger,'' Lucian thought while eventually leaning against the shield. However, Olov soon caught his back before it collided with the protruding bone.

    "Jeez kid, are you just trying to hurt yourself?! But, don''t worry. I''m here for ya!" Olov exclaimed, to which Lucian gave the faintest nod.

    Meanwhile, although Lucian thought sacrificing his Accumulated Destinies would be a bad move, reading through the exchange value as well as the original weakened period made Lucian wonder if he was hallucinating from the amplified fatigue.

    ¡´Every 1 Accumulated Destiny sacrificed reduces the weakened period by 5%. [Original Weakened Period: 30 days.]¡µ

    The first thing Lucian wanted to do was give this stone a stern talking to and understand just why the weakened period was so lengthy. An entire month?!

    Additionally, the weakened state was pretty terrifying in his eyes.

    ...

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

    Fractal Rating: D+ (C+)

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 175/225 (3.75 MQ per min) [113]

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D+ [E-]

    ?Agility: D+ [E-]

    ?Endurance:D+ [E-]

    ?Dexterity: D+ [E-]

    ?Vitality: D+ [E-]

    ?Perception: D+ [E-]

    ?Spirit: D+ [E-]

    ?Wisdom: D+ [E-]

    ¡­

    Initially, Lucian didn''t understand how much the weakened state reduced his stats, but after looking at his status screen, it appeared that it reduced his stats to half, which was surprising.

    ''So a D+ Rank Guardian is approximately twice as strong as an E Rank? That''s¡­ good to know, but just how large is the difference for the higher ones?'' Lucian thought to himself before casually swiping his hand.

    ''I''ll think about this matter after learning of the rewards for accomplishing the task,'' Lucian thought to himself.

    The menu disappeared while Lucian turned towards Olov, "You guys¡­ need to finish off the remaining minions."

    Generally, defeating the boss would clear the entire floor, however, that wasn''t the case for this particular floor because of two reasons. One, it was a timed floor, so most rush tactics were disabled. However, the reason behind them being disabled tied in with the second reason the minions were still alive.

    The objective tasked them will eradicating all enemies. In other words, it required them to physically complete the task, rather than the monolith judging it as a completed run after the boss was killed.

    "Right," Olov agreed before turning to others behind. Instead of relaying the instructions, Olov merely gave them a blank expression.

    "Yeah, that might be hard to do," Olov murmured. Aside from him and Aeran, the rest were unconscious from the brutal vibrations! However, the remaining wolves didn''t number more than 10.

    And, there were a few minutes remaining on the timer.

    Besides the issue of the unconscious teammates, the wolves were inching closer to their downed bodies. Gradually, the situation was starting to look bleak. Such a good run was experiencing a shocking end.

    "I''ll do it!" Olov snarled while stumbling to his feet. He didn''t even think to pick up his shield because the strength Lucian used to impale it in the ground was beyond him. It would simply waste precious time.

    Hence, he only grabbed his sword and rushed towards the wolves closing in on Aeran''s position. Though he wasn''t down like the others, he was in a daze after exhausting every drop of Mana he possessed.

    Whoosh!

    Olov grabbed Aeran''s collar and tossed him aside before the wolves could pounce. On the other hand, he sacrificed a great amount of points to increase his strength to the maximum¨DD+.

    Bang!

    A downward slash of his sword cleaved a nearby wolf in two, earning him some precious enhancement points. The next wolf was dealt with using a simple horizontal slash after redirecting the force of his initial strike.

    Never once did he stop moving as he used the knowledge in his mind to transfer the remaining force of his strike into another attack. Simply put, Olov performed a seamless link of chained attacks.

    By the time the last wolf fell, there were only 15 seconds left on the timer. It was truly too close for comfort! But they managed it. This makeshift team managed to accomplish the impossible and clear the second floor within 30 minutes.

    Finally, Olov was able to fall to his butt after experiencing an absurd amount of pain.

    "It all hurts!" Olov groaned.

 Chapter 59 - Rewards Of Completion

    ----

    There was no notification of completion after killing the last monster. The only sign that the team completed the run was the suspended timer alongside the rift that opened not too far from them.

    However, a special notification appeared before Lucian, Olov, and Aeran''s sights. It was the point value as well as their contribution to the boss kill. In short, the ratio was uneven but fair since it was based on what role each person played in killing the boss.

    As Olov had the least contribution, only shielding Lucian from the last strike, he was only rewarded 5% of the boss''s points. Still, just that 5% was enough to cause Olov''s shock. It amounted to over 6 Enhancement Points!

    After all, the Infernal Doom Wolf wasn''t a simple opponent. It was a genuine C Rank Monster. So the difficulty of slaying such a monster was immense. Everyone who took place in the raid was either just waking up or still recovering from the terrifying effects of the fight.

    Meanwhile, Aeran received a larger portion of 20%. Unlike Olov, Aeran''s volatile ability played a vital role in killing the boss. But while vital, it didn''t inflict as much damage as one would expect. In this case, it was simply the catalyst that brought out the effects Lucian desired.

    Still, the 20% amounted to slightly over 24 points. If that was added to all of the points acquired from the monsters slated in this run, Aeran had more than enough points to think about moving his stats to the next level.

    Finally, Lucian held the last and largest portion of the kill¨D75%! For the most part, Lucian had soloed the boss up until the end, where his immense boost in strength started to waver. Once that happened, he had to rely on the others.

    Still, the monolith evaluated his contribution as being unmatched in comparison to the others. Hence, the reason for Lucian''s reward being three-quarters of the total value. In his case, he received exactly 90 Enhancement Points.

    As a whole, killing the Infernal Doom Wolf rewarded 120 Enhancement Points! It wasn''t a normal value. Because the kill itself was accomplished within 30 minutes, it caused a special situation.

    While Lucian felt the points were inflated, it was unknown if this was the mysterious reward of the task, or simply an attached benefit. Nevertheless, the team was elated by this generous amount of points.

    "A little help here," Lucian muttered while beckoning to Olov. Although he was tired, his exhaustion was nothing like Lucian''s, whose muscles were on the brink of tearing. One wrong move and he was almost certain that he would be incapable of moving.

    So, he relied upon Olov for movement support.

    Meanwhile, after recovering, Ahri frowned while looking at Lucian''s current state, "That was just so reckless. I knew that type of power would have an unsightly drawback. What will you do about it?"

    "Eh heh¡­ Even I''m not sure yet," Lucian answered truthfully. Since the completion was still unknown, he hadn''t given any thought to reducing the weakness period. Though, if he got the chance, he would also see if he could acquire some information from the stone once again.

    He truly wished to understand why the weakened period was so severe. Not to mention, his personal demand for Accumulated Destinies skyrocketed, as well as his apprehension towards using Limit Release.

    Instead, the most promising option for him would be to increase the rank of his other abilities.

    "Hopefully, the Echelon Lounge will be able to heal you like before," Ahri responded.

    Lucian''s expression brightened once she said those words. ''Of course! Why didn''t I think of that? The lounge has a special effect on us Guardians. Even if it can''t heal me entirely, it should be able to alleviate some of the symptoms at the very least, right?''

    Unfortunately, this was mere speculation without any definitive proof. To learn of the outcome required him to return. Luckily, that matter wouldn''t remain a mystery for much longer.

    "I''m sorry, guys. I lost control of my ability and nearly jeopardized the run," Aeran apologized with a grimace. If not for Olov stepping up at the last moments, the entire goal of the run would have been forfeited.

    And, choosing to abandon the run was a moot option because of both Lucian''s weakness and the insufficient tokens left to restock on the potion required to fuel Sylvia''s usage of her ability.

    "It''s not your guilt to own. It''s mine. I''m the one who made the call. So don''t worry about it too much," Lucian commented before averting his gaze towards the nonexistent corpse of the boss.

    ''It''s a shame that its body was damaged to that extent. There''s nothing left to harvest, nor do we have the energy to sift through the rubble,'' Lucian thought before sighing. Though it was a disappointment, what was done couldn''t be changed.

    Soon enough, everyone gather before the rift, even Quinn, who continued to shake his head around. "Oof, that really hurts."

    "Go, go, go. I''m tired of being in here dammit," Olov scowled before shoving Quinn through the rift. Afterward, everyone traveled inside, arriving within the Echelon Lounge within a few seconds.

    A rejuvenating feeling washed over their bodies as soon as they touched down, except for Lucian whose frown continued to worsen.

    ''I should have expected as much,'' Lucian thought.

    Yes, the Echelon Lounge did heal him. However, it only recovered him to the peak of the weakened state! In other words, the pain was still present and so was the weakness. However, his mana capacity was longer empty, nor was his health dangerously low.

    So while he appeared weak, he wasn''t as defenseless as his state portrayed.

    Nevertheless, a ripple occurred before Lucian and his team, with Overseer Vohr walking out from seemingly nowhere. No matter how many times they witnessed this, it would always cause them to feel awe.

    Overseer Vohr cleared his throat after appearing, "Ahem, I personally watched your efforts. I must say, truly shocking. I didn''t expect you all to clear that floor. The boss was¡­ let''s just say something that shouldn''t have appeared at the point."

    "Damn! I knew it. That floor was too damn hard. It was nonsense," Olov snarled uncontrollably.

    In response, Overseer Vohr gave an amused smile, "Oh? But wasn''t the reward worth it? We even compensated you very well. You should know that boss is typically worth 24 points. But, taking everything into account, we gave you two bonuses. A clearance and a kill bonus."

    "Don''t worry. We appreciate it. It''s just an extra challenge, that''s all," Ahri interjected while pulling Olov away from Overseer Vohr. Seeing as he was one of the three to receive points, she felt he should be gratified.

    "Of course, there''s still the shocking feat of actually completing a sub-30 min run with that boss. So, I suppose you deserve the highest reward possible for these lowly floors," Overseer Vohr said.

    He then snapped his finger, causing a few notifications and a screen to appear before the team.

    ¡´Alert: Congratulations, you have accomplished the bonus task.¡µ

    ¡´Alert: As a result of Overseer Vohr''s discretion, the highest reward has been chosen.¡µ

    ¡´Alert: One additional reward added.¡µ

    ¡¸You have received the following rewards-

    - +10% Authority.

    - 3,250 Merge Tokens.

    - 40 Enhancement Points

    - 5 Destiny Accumulations

    - Silver Treasure Orb ¡¹

    Except for their authority, which couldn''t be acquired outside of clearing floors, the rest of the reward seemed to increase five times. As the highest possible multiplier of the lower floors, it was rarely reached unless it was done by the Extraordinary Guardians.

    However, each of those monsters possessed an SS Rank Ability or numerous maxed out S Rank Abilities. So, their effectiveness in battle would be absurd, to say the least.

    Hence, why the Overseers coveted any Elite and Extraordinary Guardians.

    On the other hand, everyone''s jaw dropped. Over 3,000 Merge Tokens were gained in one sitting. While it was nothing compared to the price tag of the highest items, for their current level, this amount of tokens was nothing to scoff at.

    Not to mention, just the Silver Treasure Orb made the trouble they went through extremely worth it. Not only was the breadth of the rewards inside that treasure orb greater, but so was the level.

    "I hope you find the given rewards satisfactory," Overseer Vohr said before giving a bow and disappearing. However, before he left, he gave Lucian a meaningful look.

    Lucian understood the meaning of the look but didn''t make any suspicious movements. Instead, he pondered his choices at this time.

 Chapter 60 - Destiny Seeker, Unanimous Decision

    ----

    At this point, Lucian''s most pressing worry was the weakened state. In total, he possessed approximately 10 Destiny Accumulations. Therefore, he could reduce the period by half in the best case scenario. But, that almost meant he would be left with zero destinies afterward.

    And, based on the criteria of the Limitless Refinement, he needed 49 destinies to strengthen his limit once again. As of now, he possessed 20% of that number but if he reduced the weakened period, then the progress would be reset to 0.

    Hence, Lucian was curious as to whether or not this matter was worth it.

    ''Should I just open the orb now instead of waiting like last time?'' Lucian wondered. When he opened the bronze orb, there were 2 Accumulated Destinies inside. So, Lucian wondered if those destinies were a concrete reward while the rest were randomized.

    If that was the case, then he would undoubtedly open the orb without a second thought. Since it would become a viable source of destiny. But, if it turned out to be a waste, then Lucian would still be stuck with his difficult decision.

    However, before all of that took place, Lucian thought back to the notifications. To make his decision required more information. So, he sought some from the stone now that setting wasn''t as dangerous.

    ¡´The weakened period is determined by your vitality and the grading of your vessel. It is still within the lower levels of the Transient Realm, so the effects are stronger. As your resilience increases, the accompanied sequelae will decrease.¡µ

    ''Transient Realm?'' Lucian thought. This wasn''t the first time that he heard it. The ethereal voice mentioned it as well. Which only made him more curious.

    "What is this so-called Transient Realm?"

    ¡´According to the rankings of your planet, the universe''s Transient Realm is equivalent to grades F through S. Afterwards, you''ll enter what is known as the universe''s Heroic Order¨Dwhich is a realm of power available to you after advancing.¡µ

    ''So that''s what all that means,'' Lucian nodded slowly. For the most part, this was all information that he understood. Whereas the Awakened were inconsequential in the grand scope of things, Guardians were a different story.

    Their ability to level up their abilities turned them into soldiers needed to defend their world, whereas the Awakened were simply becoming the new meta for the human race. Still, while the stone revealed the matter of Advancement, Lucian was still unsure of when or how that was accomplished.

    Additionally, Lucian held some other questions but kept them under wraps for the moment. After all, Overseer Vohr''s mention of the Great Merge still weighed on his mind. ''Could first Guardians be privy to this information? If so, truly a dire secret to keep.''

    Meanwhile, Lucian soon shifted his attention away from this matter and instead turned towards his teammates while monitoring their actions. The excitement towards receiving a Silver Treasure Orbs was palpable because unlike their bronze counterpart, there was a chance to receive Tier 3 items at the very least!

    Hence, the reason it was the highest possible achievement for the first 5 floors. Quietly, Lucian monitored their actions.

    Out of everyone, Olov was the one with the least patience, smashing his orb the moment he received it as Lucian expected. In total, he received three 3 silver lights which blocked the information inside the lights until Olov revealed them.

    However, Lucian could tell from his expression that he was disappointed.

    "A wand?! Who the hell uses a wand? A shield, dammit. For the love of God, give me a new shield!" Olov shrieked with a distraught expression. Besides the wand, however, Olov was overall satisfied by what he was given.

    Although it wasn''t a shield, he received a sharp greatsword. It was a Tier 3 weapon, a great upgrade from his former one. But, it was also a weapon that required two hands to use, unless he possessed a C+ strength attribute, which he didn''t.

    "Is this place trying to tell me to abandon the shield or something?" Olov murmured while scratching his head. Though the monolith rarely interfered with the decision of the guardians, Olov was a superstitious fellow who took anything as a sign.

    For example, the fact he received 7 Accumulated Destinies made him feel as if the system was truly telling him to abandon the sword.

    "I mean, there is definitely a battle style available to you if you merge your ability with a heavy weapon like that," Lucian commented after giving Olov''s predicament some thought. The leading flaw of heavy weapons was their abysmal attack rate.

    However, Olov''s ability allowed minute bursts of bizarre speed. So, if he coupled that with a heavy weapon to correct its flaw, he could potentially become a terrifying Guardian. Granted, it would take a lot of effort to familiarize himself with the timings and such.

    "True. That is true indeed. But, breaking the habit of wielding a shield after a year of holding it isn''t as easy as you might think. It has become part of my style," Olov answered.

    "Well, I can''t comment. I have no style, so whatever lands in my hands fits. Well, maybe except for a dress, I don''t need that," Lucian chuckled softly.

    Then, the others opened their orbs and sure enough, the outcome was tricky. It was luck-based system, forcing Lucian to take a chance.

    Without further ado, Lucian crushed his orb. Similar to the others, three silver lights appeared. But, unlike the others, Lucian''s eyes flashed with the same silver glow as the orb in the middle started to vibrate intensely.

    ¡´Destiny Seeker activated.¡µ

    ''Destiny Seeker? Is that another ability or something?'' Lucian wondered. Sadly, the stone didn''t reveal any information to him. Aside from letting him know that a definite source of destinies existed, Lucian was in the dark regarding the relevancy of this name.

    ¡¸You have received the following rewards:

    Destiny Accumulations (8)

    Mana Expander Potion

    Silver Key  ¡¹

    Unlike his first reward, there were no vouchers, nor was there any equipment. All of the items he gained were either usable or simply unheard of. For example, Lucian was shocked by the details of the Mana Expander Potion.

    ¡¸Item Name: Mana Expander Potion

    Item Rank: Tier 3

    Effect: Permanently increases Mana Quotient by 100 points.

    Description: A potion made from ingredients that augments Mana.¡¹

    Lucian nodded since it was a simple yet effective description. It gave him all the information needed. In fact, Lucian popped the cork on the potion and downed it immediately.

    As a result, his Mana Quotient increased by 100 points. Though he was still weakened, his current mana pool was not far off from his original number.

    ''Decent,'' Lucian thought to himself before looking at the glimmering silver key in his hand. Initially, he thought it was connected to a floor inside Monolith. But, it didn''t seem to be the case at all.

    ¡¸Item Name: Silver Key

    Item Rank: Silver

    Effect: Increases the reward vault of a cleared Anomaly Rift to a silver level. (The grading of the rift must be below oranger or this key will be rendered ineffective.)

    Description: A key linked to the origin of the Fractured Monolith. Permits entry to hidden byproducts of the Monolith''s presence.¡¹

    ''Anomaly Rifts. I know it has something to do with the monolith, but what exactly are they?'' Lucian wondered. Though he received some information after his Limit Refinement, it wasn''t enough. It didn''t detail the purpose of said rifts, it only revealed its origin.

    Of course, there was one place for Lucian to acquire that information.

    But, since this key held no purpose right now, he tossed it into his inventory before finally making a decision. ''I have enough, so I might as well.''

    A moment later, a notification appeared before his eyes yet again.

    ¡´You have chosen to reduce the effects. [30 days ¡ú 15 days.]¡µ

    Just like that, 10 Accumulated Destinies were exhausted, leaving Lucian with 7.8 remaining.

    Finally, Lucian looked towards the others, "I won''t be able to clear the next floor. So, I''ll be calling it quits for now."

    "I agree! I''m too damn stressed. I''m too bald for this," Olov grumbled while shaking his head.

    The others soon followed along because if Lucian and Olov left, the team''s main offense and defense, there was no point in continuing. Or rather, they couldn''t.

    Therefore, just as Overseer Vohr explained to them, leaving the monolith was simple. All it required was a mere thought.

    "Lucian," Ahri suddenly said before he completely left.

    "Hm?"

    "Will you be going to the Guardian Corps? If so, I''ll meet you there."

    ''Guardian Corps?'' Lucian thought to himself as he completely disappeared. A second later, he opened his eyes to a familiar sight.

 Chapter 61 - Lucians Return

    ----

    Lucian looked around as he returned to Alteria from within the Fractured Monolith. Initially, since the sun had set, Lucian thought that barely any time had passed. After all, he was in the monolith for no more than half a day.

    Though, the time spent inside the actual floors was much less, even when factoring in his trip to the odd laboratory and the room in which he experienced his transformation. Most of the time spent inside the monolith involved Lucian explaining the plan to the team and running out the clock on the first run.

    Outside of that, there was also his chat that, while only appearing to take a few minutes, actually went on for more than an hour because of how much basic information Lucian extracted from Vohr.

    When Lucian looked at his wrist, specifically the high-tech watch given to all inhabitants of Alteria, Lucian noticed something odd.

    ''Over 10 days have passed?!'' Lucian thought with widened eyes. Just to make sure he wasn''t hallucinating, he rubbed his eyes and looked at the date once again. Still, it remained the same.

    Twelves days had passed in what seemed like an instant!

    Eventually, Lucian looked at his current status to see if it had experienced any change.

    ...

    Name: Lucian Salvatore

    Title: N/A

    Archetype: Variant (Hybrid/Evolver)

    Fractal Rating: D+ (C+) [E-]

    Authority: Delta

    Health: 100%

    MQ: 325/325 (3.75 MQ per min) [163]

    [?Attributes?]-

    ?Strength: D+ [E-]

    ?Agility: D+ [E-]

    ?Endurance:D+ [E-]

    ?Dexterity: D+ [E-]

    ?Vitality: D+ [E-]

    ?Perception: D+ [E-]

    ?Spirit: D+ [E-]

    ?Wisdom: D+ [E-]

    ----

    [?Enhancements?]

    ?Points: 181.6

    ----

    [?Abilities?]-

    ?Limitless [??? Rank Trait]

    ?Hypervigilance [SS Rank Trait]

    ?Manifestation [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Duplication [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Amplification [D+ Rank Ability]

    ?Assimilation [??? Rank Ability]

    ¡­

    ¡´Weakened Period Remaining: 14 day(s), 22 hour(s).¡µ

    Just as Lucian thought, there was essentially no change in the weakened period''s remaining duration. Eventually, Lucian wondered just what warranted the unchanged duration of the period and what was this based on?

    Soon enough, Lucian had the urge to go back inside the monolith just so the weakened period went by quicker. If the rate of time flow was truly that fast, then it was possible Lucian could finish the rest of the time by wasting another half of a day inside the monolith''s space.

    After all, the monolith''s interior wasn''t linked to Alteria''s temporal fabric. The monolith''s interior was linked to a different space or rather several portions of the quadrants comprising the universe. Hence, the reason Overseers such as Vohr, who weren''t of the human race, could appear before these Guardians.

    In fact, it was because of the monolith that humans even became aware of other intelligent species. Before the Priming, the humans lived their lives attempting to perfect spatial travel.

    Yet, with the appearance of the monolith, the technology to bridge the mysteries of this question was acquired within a few years. It simply required a Guardian with enough authority to be born.

    Regrettably, the stone seemed to be against Lucian''s intentions.

    ¡´The weakened period operates on the same temporal signature as your body. In other words, the weakened period will only elapse while inside your world.¡µ

    ¡´As we loathe the origin of the monolith, unless it is to crush the order that has been established, there is no reason to appear in that place. Besides, the signature of the monolith is too scattered for you to benefit from it.¡µ

    ''Is the resentment that deep? The stone won''t allow entry unless I intend to clear floors?'' Lucian thought in faint shock. In his opinion, the stone didn''t sound like an omnipotent item, but rather a petty individual who sought the most satisfying type of revenge.

    ¡´Deeper than you can currently fathom.¡µ

    Lucian frowned for a moment before shrugging off the information. Since the stone forbade him from doing so, Lucian simply placed his attention elsewhere. For example, what he forgot to do.

    ''I should have gathered their contact information. They still owe me my compensation,'' Lucian thought to himself. The ultimate reason for the team clearing the second floor was because Lucian had lent out virtually all of his tokens and points while intending to get them back.

    However, the matter had momentarily slipped his mind as he was occupied with learning about the weakened period. Of course, the possibility of them reneging on the deal didn''t worry Lucian. He simply felt it was inconvenient that he couldn''t contact them on a whim.

    Besides, power was a huge deterrence in this day and age. And, from what they saw, even if he wasn''t the strongest person ever, for their current level, Lucian possessed loads of it.

    Not too long after thinking about this matter, Lucian glanced at the utterly destroyed wall of his family mansion. It reminded him of the reason he stepped foot inside of the monolith in the first place¨Dthe safety of his family. They were his greatest worry, but also the source of his determination.

    As a result, Lucian looked towards the distance before jumping out the window. The distance to the floor was no more than 10 meters, something a person of his level could handle without injury.

    Once he touched down, he closed his eyes and activated his Hypervigilance ability to recall the quickest path to the medical center. While he could simply take a train, why would he squander credits when he was essentially on par with the speed of those jet trains now?

    After verifying the correct path, Lucian sped forward while passing through a district plagued by poverty. As he looked at some of the sickly children on the street, he was reminded of the state of his younger siblings.

    It triggered something deep inside him.

    ''If they managed society better, such situations wouldn''t need to happen. It''s all backed by greed.''

    Gradually, Lucian decided what he needed to do.

    Even if he couldn''t help everyone personally, he could at least use the opportunity given to him by the stone to gain a substantial footing. The only way to acquire a voice was through gaining power.

    ¡­

    Eventually, Lucian arrived before the Strellia Medical Facility. After going through the standard process, Lucian walked to the front desk and tapped his finger against the counter, "Is Doctor Arc in?"

    The desk nurse looked at him before blanking for a moment. It wasn''t often that someone with crimson eyes and silver-white hair appeared. In fact, this was a combination of features that never appeared.

    Lucian''s eyes weren''t just red, it was as if his eyes were formed from congealed blood.

    "D-Doctor Arc? He''s in, he''s always in. He''s¡­" the desk nurse sifted through the schedule while occasionally glancing up at Lucian. Eventually, she came across his location but her expression changed, "He''s¡­ in the classified sector."

    "Thank you," Lucian said before walking away from the desk, towards the back of the facility. The nurse initially tried to stop him, but when she saw the name he signed, her expression changed.

    "Isn''t... Isn''t this the name the doctor said to look out for?"

    Following the directions left by Doctor Arc, she clicked a button under the desk.

    ¡­

    Down in the classified sector¡­

    "Hmm?" Doctor Arc murmured while glancing at his watch that emitted a blaring signal. As he browsed through the information, his expression brightened before dashing towards the elevator.

    Enthusiastically, he started smashing the button without the faintest sign of patience, "Come on! Come on! Hurry up, damn it! He''s alive. HAHA! He''s alive! It''s been over a week, yet he''s alive!"

    Soon enough, the elevator opened to reveal to a tall youth with silverish hair and crimson eyes staring at Doctor Arc.

    "Who... are you? No, how in the heck did you get into this elevator!?" Doctor Arc exclaimed.

    Rather than answer the question, Lucian passed by Doctor Arc while asking a question, "My siblings; where are they?"

    "Siblings? Wait¡­ Lucian?! L-Lucian?" Doctor Arc guffawed before circling Lucian with odd lines surfacing in his eyes as he accessed his ability. Sure enough, from what he scanned, this was truly Lucian! Same bio-structure, identical plasma signatures. All the recorded data matched except the fact his body was stronger and his Mana was compact.

    "Yes," Lucian nodded.

    "Come, come," Doctor Arc said excitedly while leading Lucian deep within the underground level of the futuristic medical facility. Soon enough, they came before a heavily sealed door marked with the label: "HAZARD"

    Lucian didn''t even stop before gesturing towards Doctor Arc, "Open."

    "Just to warn you, you''re risking your safety by entering this place."

    "Doesn''t a matter, I''m a Guardian," Lucian responded in a nonchalant tone.

    Immediately, Doctor Arc blanked once again. Meanwhile, Lucian received another message from the stone.

 Chapter 62 - Alternative

    ----

    ¡´A vast amount of contaminated Mana exists in this place. It''s toxic for beings of your original orientation.¡µ

    ''Oh? I didn''t expect the stone to warn me of that,'' Lucian thought. Although he had just revealed his identity as a Guardian, he now wondered if whatever rested on the other side of these doors could infect him as well.

    ''Could that be possible?'' Lucian questioned.

    ¡´Impossible. One result of my superiority is infinite purification. Even if it infects your body, it''s incapable of infecting me, which is now also you.¡µ

    ''Right,'' Lucian answered. As the stone revealed in the beginning, it had melded with Lucian. So they were now one entity. Therefore, whatever the stone could withstand, it would do its best to bring Lucian''s vessel up to the level of withstanding those same conditions.

    Granted, the conditions of a Minor World weren''t even worth mentioning when it came to a divine item like the Limitless Stone.

    Meanwhile, Doctor Arc finally awakened from his stupor, "Did you just say you''re a Guardian?!"

    "Correct," Lucian said with a faint nod. "Now, can you open the door, please?"

    "Sure," Doctor Arc agreed wholeheartedly while also forming some questions of his own. ''Could that be why his structure has become so compact? It''s possible if he is truly a Guardian; an Awakened who has undergone a second awakening.''

    In addition to his thoughts, Doctor Arc also knew the only cure for the Zero Point Disease was the cleansing that a second awakening provided. So, the more he thought about this, the more he felt Lucian''s claim was true. But, if that was the case, then he had truly hit the jackpot!

    ''Who would have thought that I''d come across not just a powerful Awakened, but now a Guardian as well. With this, I''ll be able to request greater assistance from both the Guardian Corps and Awakened Association,'' Doctor arc thought with an excited grin.

    The entire purpose of forcing Lucian and Cyrus to attempt an awakening was to obtain the materials needed to carry on with his research. Although the presence of the monolith was great in its current form, it wasn''t beneficial to normal Awakeneds.

    However, Doctor Arc, with his overzealous ways, sought a way to counter this. Though, it was unknown if it was even an accomplishable goal.

    Conversely, Doctor Arc opened the heavily fortified door by going through a biometric scan such as his iris and fingerprint. Multiple locks unlatched followed by a deafening whirring noise as some heavy gears turned emitted a loud hissing noise.

    "Decompression. The room inside is a vacuum to prevent anything inside from leaking out. You can never be too careful with these obscure illnesses," Doctor Arc muttered before taking a step inside, with Lucian followed behind him.

    Still, there was something Doctor Arc couldn''t get off his mind.

    "Just how did you get to this floor? Aside from me, no one else has the clearance to come down to this floor," Doctor Arc asked. Despite trying to come up with an explanation this entire time, he couldn''t figure it out.

    If Lucian used brute force to damage the door, then the alarm would have been triggered. Plus, breaking through the metal used to make the elevator would require at least B+ level strength.

    Even then, one strike wouldn''t be enough to force open the doors with the high fortitude.

    In light of Doctor Arc''s question, Lucian merely smiled, "It was you who opened the door for me."

    Again, Doctor Arc froze while utterly confused by Lucian''s words. Just how did he open the door for Lucian when he was down here monitoring the situation?!

    Of course, Lucian didn''t mean it in the literal sense. While Doctor Arc was truly the one to open the door, that wasn''t entirely true. After all, it was Apollo who duplicated his eye and hand to access the elevator.

    While it seemed like a complicated process, it wasn''t. All it required was for Lucian to remember the hand that he shook and the eyes that gazed at him when he found out about his disease. With the help of increased cognition from his Hypervigilance, the rest was simple.

    Lucian replicated Doctor''s Arc hand and eye to the best of his ability. Though he couldn''t do something as complex as mapping the mana routes of said extremities, remembering the external superficial traits wasn''t difficult at all.

    Needless to say, this wasn''t something Lucian revealed since the cameras failed to catch his actions. On top of hiding from them, Lucian wasn''t aware that most cameras couldn''t record him due to the abnormal frequency of his mana.

    In a sense, it formed a kind of barrier towards surveillance. If even the Monolith failed to surveil his power, how could the meager capture devices of Alteria?

    It was impossible.

    Sure enough, even after sifting through the surveillance records, all Doctor Arc saw was Lucian standing before the elevator as it opened up a few moments later as if he had been granted entry.

    Unable to sense any foul play, Doctor Arc could only chop this up to a system malfunction.

    Meanwhile, Lucian arrived before the sealed capsules containing his brother and sister side by side. Although the room was at normal temperature, the capsule was cool to the touch as Lucian glided his hand against it.

    "Have you frozen them?" Lucian questioned.

    "Not at all. This is the effect of the Astral Corrosion Sickness. As you know, space is a frigid vacuum. This sickness mimics that property," Doctor Arc answered calmly as he arrived next to Lucian.

    As he stood before the capsule, Lucian witnessed as a thick layer of frost steadily covered the small glass pane. However, a gentle wave of heat melted the frost every 60 seconds before sucking the water out of the chamber.

    "This is the most we can do¨Dprolong the time before they freeze to death from the absolute zero properties of the mana they emit," Doctor Arc said with a faint sign.

    Meanwhile, Lucian wasn''t quite in the talking mood as he simply stared at the pale faces of his siblings with a callous expression. His jaw clenched continuously as the pressure he put on the glass continued to escalate.

    A cracking noise echoed from under his hand as Doctor Arc''s eyes widened in shock.

    "D-don''t! Lucian! Don''t break that glass!"

    However, Lucian didn''t listen. The fact that his siblings were suffering like this angered him beyond belief. Soon enough, the glass under both of his hands shattered completely, allowing Lucian to touch his siblings'' cheeks.

    Immediately, Doctor Arc retreated while holding his breath. Although the first stage of the sickness wasn''t contagious, Stage II was, since the mana at that point was akin to a virus, capable of infecting many. Hence, why all Stage II infected were forced into isolation chambers.

    Whereas Doctor Arc became cautious, Lucian was only worried about the safety of his siblings. "Don''t worry. Big brother will heal both of you. I won''t allow you to die."

    Though they couldn''t respond, Lucian didn''t need them to.

    Simultaneously, footsteps sounded behind Doctor Arc, causing him to turn around. ''Ah, that''s right. It''s about time.''

    As a part of his daily routine, after training, Cyrus would come to this room to sit with his siblings for an hour. However, instead of sleeping after, he simply returned to training even more. As a result, Cyrus''s Awakened rank had already elevated to C- a few weeks ago.

    Although it didn''t seem like much, 10 days to elevate into another rank category was a shocking pace!

    "L-Lucian?" Cyrus muttered. Aside from Lucian, there was no one else who would risk touching these two. However, he also couldn''t tell due to the abnormal change Lucian went through.

    "Yes," Lucian nodded while turning towards Cyrus with a sorrowful expression. Though, for some reason, it started to change gradually. It wasn''t because of the sight of Cyrus, but rather the information that appeared before his view.

    ¡´You can fix them personally if you gather enough destiny.¡µ

    Until now, Lucian thought his only route to healing his siblings would be by acquiring 100 million Credits. However, one thing he overlooked was that it was the price required to treat one patient. So, in truth, Lucian required double that amount.

    But now, according to the stone, he could use destinies to solve that problem!

    ''Truly?''

    ¡´Of course, the cause of the issue is the monolith''s temporal Mana. So, you simply need to introduce them to the source and have that source absorb the issue.¡µ

    From sorrow, Lucina''s expression brightened because destiny was something he could acquire easily by overwhelming the floors!

    However, Lucian blanked when the stone revealed the number of destinies needed.

 Chapter 63 - Transparent

    ----

    ¡´Each one of these specimens will require 200 Accumulated Destinies.¡µ

    At first, Lucian was appalled by this number, because the highest sum he received in one sitting thus far was 8. Though the entire number totaled to over 40, that was still only one-fifth of the destinies required to heal just one of his siblings.

    Not to mention, Lucian also wondered if gathering that many destinies would take longer than amassing the credits. On top of that, was it even worth it to attempt gathering 400 destinies? How many floors would that take?

    Eventually, Lucian also thought of something else. ''Isn''t this number on par with an Elite Refinement?''

    Suddenly, Lucian turned towards Doctor Arc, "How is an individual healed from the Astral Corrosion Sickness? What''s the exact process?"

    The question wasn''t random. A thought that formed in Lucian''s mind after focusing on the number of destinies the stone required to accomplish this feat spurred it on. Surely, if the stone required this many details, then the process wasn''t a simple one.

    "Hm? Simply put, the Guardian Corps will extract the abnormal mana from their body before containing it, effectively returning them to a normal person," Doctor Arc answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

    "A normal person as in one who is unawakened?" Lucian questioned further.

    "Correct."

    "I see," Lucian muttered. Immediately, Lucian''s favor towards this plan dropped incredibly. Paying 100 million credits just for the Guardian Corps to extract the mana was absurd. Furthermore, it seemed extremely odd to him.

    What would happen with the energy after it was extracted?

    Thus, Lucian turned to the stone for more information after learning of the nonsensical simplicity of Doctor Arc''s explanation. Contrary to what Doctor Arc revealed, the stone was undoubtedly the better choice by what it revealed.

    ¡´The destinies won''t go to waste, nor will the energy be extracted. We are simply adding the necessary destiny to jumpstart their rightful state.¡µ

    ''In other words, my siblings were in truth Elite Guardians?'' Lucian questioned.

    ¡´Not necessarily. The current intensity of the temporal Mana simply requires this much destiny to counteract. Their potential remains hidden the veil of that Mana.¡µ

    After learning of this, Lucian didn''t ask any further questions. Instead, he looked at Cyrus, before nodding towards Doctor Arc. "You can seal them back up. I understand what I need to do."

    Then, Lucian turned towards Cyrus, who seemed unusually pale, "Why does it look like you haven''t been taking care of yourself?"

    "I guess you can say I haven''t," Cyrus said with a wry chuckle. His abusive regiment was far from what one would describe as taking care of himself. But, as he felt this was something he needed to do, Cyrus couldn''t complain. In fact, due to his overzealous training, he unearthed more about his ability.

    "Well, just know that you don''t need to shoulder the burden alone. I can assist you as well," Lucian answered.

    After receiving the news of Lucian''s disease, Cyrus felt hopeless. Especially so when he heard the approximate number of days Lucian had left. So, just the fact Lucian was here now caused Cyrus to give him a bear hug filled with joy.

    "I trust you," Cyrus nodded.

    "Good. Instead of you going at it with a training android, how about we have a little spar?" Lucian offered, which caused Cyrus''s eyes to widen. He could only wonder what method Lucian used to heal himself. Unlike Doctor Arc, Cyrus wasn''t aware of the cures for Lucian''s former disease.

    He wanted to refuse at first, but the confidence he felt from Lucian forced the doubt in his mind to dissipate. If Lucian offered to have a spar, then he could undoubtedly defend him.

    "Okay," Cyrus agreed before placing his palm against the capsule. He then turned Doctor Arc, "Replace the glass please."

    "That goes without saying. The replacement is already on its way. You two go head to the training room," Doctor Arc said. There was a tinge of excitement in his eyes as he became giddy. He couldn''t wait to see how much the monolith had strengthened Lucian!

    Afterward, both Lucian and Cyrus headed to the training room. Along the way, Lucian revealed some of his experiences, all except two. The stone, which warned him to keep its existence secret. Not in fear of Cyrus revealing his secret, but the possibility of Seekers'' arrival.

    Though the stone didn''t reveal their relevance, it did alert Lucian of their threat.

    On the other hand, the last piece of information Lucian didn''t speak of was the betrayal he experienced in his first group. He knew of Cyrus''s temper and didn''t wish for him to endanger himself by threatening a force he just couldn''t contend against.

    Nearly every individual in his first party held deep ties to the Guardian Corps. There was no telling what the resulting situation would be.

    Once inside the training room, Lucian and Cyrus stood before each other.

    "Are you ready?" Cyrus asked.

    "Yes. But, I''ll warn you now. I am in a weakened state," Lucian said while being as transparent as possible. Though, just because he was weakened didn''t mean he would necessarily be at a disadvantage in this exchange.

    "I''ll keep that in mind," Cyrus nodded before revealing a serious expression. One thing about Cyrus was that once he engaged in battle, he became extremely focused, courtesy of the passive his ability gave him.

    In the next second, he dashed towards Lucian at an astonishing speed, even causing Lucian''s surprise.

    ''Oh? Just above my original speed,'' Lucian estimated. But, because he was used to this type of attack, Lucian understood that distance meant everything.

    The first thing Lucian did was take a step back while raising his guard with a stance similar to the one adopted in kickboxing. After all, his melee mastery influenced most of his movements.

    Whoosh!

    Lucian threw a sharp punch from an awkward position. He didn''t use the side that generated the most power, but instead attacked with the hand typically used for a faint.

    However, Cyrus''s sharp senses allowed him to slap the strike away before retaliating with a similar punch. Although he didn''t possess the masteries Lucian did, the endless amount of spars with the training android enabled Cyrus to hone his combat awareness.

    Bang!

    Lucian caught the punch, leading him to inhale sharply. His palm throbbed with a stinging pain after receiving the strike. Obviously, the weakened state left him more vulnerable than he expected.

    ''Yeah, let''s not receive any more of those attacks,'' Lucian thought before sharpening his gaze on Cyrus.

    "Heh. Did that hurt?" Cyrus chuckled softly before rushing in, unleashing a flurry of punches.

    Since he understood their current disparity in strength, Lucian relied on his advantage. He used his Hypervigilance to read the paths of Cyrus''s attacks a moment before he made them.

    As a result, not a single one of Cyrus''s following strikes connected.

    ''Hoh? Cyrus is moving faster than Lucian, yet it seems like Lucian is always one step ahead,'' Doctor Arc muttered with his face pressed against the glass screen. The excitement in his eyes grew more apparent the longer he watched the fight.

    "My turn," Lucian smirked.

    Bang! Bang! Bang!

    Lucian unleashed a whirlwind of kicks in a nonstop torrent that capitalized on every opening in Cyrus''s defense. And, whenever Cyrus tried to retaliate, Lucian spun and performed a sudden aerial kick, forcing him back into a passive position.

    Thus, Cyrus inevitably took a couple of steps back. But, then Cyrus''s expression became increasingly savage.

    "Let''s step this up a notch!" Cyrus exclaimed, but because he was activating his ability, it sounded more like a howling snarl. Gradually, his arms filled with silver fur as his hands enlarged into claws, whereas his legs adopted the appearance of a large wolf''s legs.

    "With pleasure," Lucian nodded. Except, he didn''t use any ability aside from Hypervigilance. Though he wanted to, using Amplification left him in pain after exhausting the three usages of Limit Release.

    Apparently, the healing of the lounge was only superficial. The thorough damage was still present and remained until the weakened period elapsed.

    Fortunately, Lucian wasn''t in a predicament that required its usages. As an SS Rank Ability, Hypervigilance was far stronger than Lucian gave it credit for. His eyes blazed with a mystical aura.

    Although Cyrus''s partial transformation increased both his speed and power, it meant nothing if the target was untouchable!

    Cyrus rushed while simultaneously executing a lightning-quick horizontal slash. Yet, his attack only cut a few strands of Lucian''s hair as he dodged, before planting his hands on the ground.

    Bang!

    Lucian landed a powerful kick on Cyrus''s jaw, causing him to stumble and groan.

    This was a first. Though Lucian''s strikes were much weaker, he was suffering a gruesome loss!

 Chapter 64 - A True Guardian

    ----

    "U-ughh¡­" Cyrus groaned while taking a few steps back. While Lucian''s blow wasn''t as strong as the android he had taken blows from before, his strike was far too precise, landing on a spot that nearly sent a jolt to his brain.

    Luckily, his partial wolf transformation stopped the pain before he could blackout. Otherwise, he wouldn''t be able to learn anything from the spar if it ended too quickly.

    "Tsk tsk; that''s a fatal opening you have there," Lucian chuckled while springing back to his feet. Though Cyrus moved faster than him, Lucian didn''t suffer a loss because he went beyond using reactive instincts. Instead, he moved proactively after reading Cyrus''s strike.

    After all, Hypervigilance was strong enough to the point that his weakened perception didn''t seem weakened at all.

    Again, Cyrus caressed his jaw before spitting out a little trace of blood, "Thanks for letting me know. But you hit like a sissy, Lucian."

    "Oh?" Lucian said with an intrigued expression. It seemed that using his ability also made Cyrus''s attitude more boorish, though Lucian didn''t necessarily mind this. It was Cyrus who was asking for it, after all.

    "Don''t say I didn''t give you a warning," Lucian said with a light chuckle. A moment later, his joking expression was replaced by a sharp gaze that raised Cyrus''s awareness.

    ''What''s changed?'' Cyrus thought with narrowed eyes as he crossed his arms. Then, with a roar, he dashed toward Lucian. His sharp claws gleamed with traces of Mana as the intensity of the spar increased a step further.

    On the other hand, Lucian didn''t perform a straight dash toward Cyrus, instead swaying side to side while advancing, which caused Cyrus''s eyes to constantly jump from side to side.

    A faint smile appeared on Lucian''s lips as he smashed his foot against the floor and sped up instantly.

    Cyrus''s eyes widened as he slashed both his arms downwards. Unfortunately for him, Lucian expected this reaction and raised his arms before touching the outside of Cyrus''s forearm.

    The path of his swipe was curved outward as Lucian spun and slammed his elbow into Cyrus'' chest.

    Thud!

    Though it was a clean hit, it sounded muffled as Cyrus looked down at him with a menacing grin. Even some of his teeth seemed sharpened by this transformation.

    "Very smooth, but the executing power is lacking!" Cyrus snarled before kicking towards Lucian.

    In response, Lucian shook his head, "Sometimes, power isn''t everything. There are times when you need finesse."

    Lucian shifted his body to the side, marginally dodging the attack before turning around. He used the same momentum generated to deliver another elbow strike to the earlier spot.

    This time, Cyrus took a step back with an indistinct tremble. But, just this minute opening was enough for Lucian to capitalize on.

    Thud! Thud!

    Bang!

    BANG!

    Crrrrck!

    Lucian''s expression became cold and sharp as he spun repeatedly, executing that one strike repeatedly. At first, the muffled noise persisted, but after the 5th strike, the sound changed into something frightening.

    Admittedly, the repeated blows caused Cyrus''s bone to become tender, allowing Lucian''s strike to have a deeper effect, even driving Cyrus to take even more retreating steps as a precaution.

    Regrettably, he had stirred Lucian''s urge to disprove Cyrus''s statement. He didn''t let up at all, even increasing the frequency in which he executed the simple yet appallingly sharp elbow strike. Soon enough, a cracking noise was heard from Cyrus''s sternum.

    Afterward, he fell to a knee and raised his hand as the partial beast transformation subsided. Though he didn''t want to admit it, Lucian''s strike was simply too much to handle.

    Every hit landed when he took a step back, not even giving him a moment to recover. It was a ruthless onslaught through and through.

    Still, despite his expression, once Cyrus expressed that he wished to concede, Lucian stopped.

    "I think this will count as my win," Lucian said with a light chuckle.

    "Y-yeah," Cyrus groaned softly while clutching his chest. He could sense that the bone wasn''t completely broken, just fractured because of how many contusions he suffered from the android. Still, it was never on the level of this type of pain.

    Because of how short the span between Lucian''s strikes was, it barely gave Cyrus''s body enough time to register the pain. As a result, the pain gushed at him all at once.

    Of course, while he was ruthless during the spar, Lucian held too much care for his brother to allow him to suffer in pain, no matter how high his resilience was. Therefore, he walked closer to Cyrus and kneeled before him.

    "Let me see," Lucian said.

    Gradually, Cyrus moved his hand to reveal a dark purple bruise on his chest with a noticeable indent. At first, Lucian chuckled sheepishly because he hadn''t realized just how heavy-handed his attack method was despite his weakened strength.

    It was similar to hammering a nail into a wall. It didn''t enter on the first strike, but sooner rather than later, it would puncture the wall as long as there was nothing concrete behind the wall.

    Nevertheless, a milky aura coated Lucian''s hand as he placed it over Cyrus''s wound, causing Doctor Arc''s eyes to widen as he burst through the door. "Is that a healing ability?! Such pure Mana!"

    Rapidly, the purple bruise in the middle of Cyrus''s chest receded as Lucian''s mana pool shrank. Although he was only limited to half of his MQ, the mana was still on the level of his D+ signature.

    So, it was capable of healing Cyrus in a matter of minutes. Not to mention, the injury wasn''t severe, so it took little mana to repair the fracture in the bone.

    "Ah," Cyrus sighed in relief once the pain of the injury disappeared.

    "There you go. Now, I think we should address the issues with your combat. Your level head vanishes and you need to fix that," Lucian said, to which Cyrus agreed. While fighting, a large portion of his repressed anger seeped through.

    After all, there was no way a teen would be unaffected by the fact their parent disappeared to save the fate of the world, yet it seemed like no one worried about these disappearances.

    "What do you suggest?" Cyrus asked while still rubbing his chest. Compared to the healing abilities found in this place, the one Lucian revealed was more pleasant to experience.

    "Mm, I suggest you focus on defending properly and examining your opponent when fighting against the android. Don''t just have fast movements, have intelligently placed ones as well," Lucian said after a short pause.

    "I got it," Cyrus nodded before looking at Lucian with a complex expression. After their spar, it felt surreal. ''I can truly rely on him. That monolith must be filled with wonders and even secrets to turn him into this.''

    Meanwhile, Doctor Arc beamed while looking at the two sitting on the floor, "Yes, yes, yes!"

    A burst of gleeful laughter came from Doctor Arc as he hopped around. While he couldn''t tell Lucian''s ranking, from what he saw, he didn''t need to know.

    He had all the makings of a true Guardian¨Drapid decision-making skills, agility, strength, and even refinement in his actions! ''I have to call them. No, I must give them a call!''

    After what he saw, the first thing Doctor Arc wanted to do was get in contact with the Guardian Corps. However, before he could do so, a ring came from Lucian''s holographic watch attached to his wrist.

    It wasn''t a call, but rather a notification.

    ''Is this why Ahri asked if I''ll be going to the Guardian Corps?'' Lucian wondered. Because, the notification before him was a summons, or rather an invitation to the Guardian Corps.

    Since it was headed by the strongest current Guardian, the Guardian Corps was in possession of some exclusive rights as well as novel machinery, due to its title as the lead of power of Alteria.

    For example, the Chairman of the Guardian Corps possessed the authority to receive a list of the new Guardians after each set of tutorials.

    Once it was distributed to the lower staff, they then sent a summons out to those on the list. And, in this batch, Lucian just so happened to be a part of it, hence why he received the invitation.

    However, the list given to the organization was incomplete, only listing the names and no other information.

    Ultimately, the decision to join or reject was up to Lucian. However, it wasn''t a choice he would make lightly, because there was an enticing statement at the bottom.

    ''The ability to charge Anomaly Rifts and create a Guild?'' Lucian''s expression brightened due to his interest in this claim.

 Chapter 65 - The Guardian Corps Invitation

    ----

    Although the information surrounding the Anomaly Rifts was sparse, everyone knew what a Guild was. It was an independent unit created by a strong Guardian after being granted a license by the Corps.

    Oftentimes, this process was headed by either a Director or Head Director of a division inside the Guardian Corps. And, while the Guild was independent of the Guardian Corps, that was only when it came to the Corps governing them. There were still other limiting clauses put in place towards the Guilds.

    If not, then one of them could grow strong enough to overthrow the order.

    Hence, while although guilds seemed detached from the Guardian Corps, not only were their movements inside Alteria always monitored, but their Anomaly Rift activity was restricted by forcing them to acquire permission first.

    Should that law be disobeyed, then the Guardian Corps would move personally to cripple said Guild. At least, that''s how the current order worked. There was no telling how the future would unveil.

    Still, Lucian was unsure. ''The Guardian Corps is undoubtedly the strongest entity on Alteria and going there will make things easier, but there''s nothing significant here.''

    The sole reason for Lucian''s uncertainty was that the invitation didn''t detail whether he would be confined to the Corp''s territory or not. If this was a stipulation, then it would it difficult for him to visit his siblings. Which was a condition that Lucian couldn''t abide by.

    Additionally, while it presented the ultimate ability to form a Guild, it didn''t list the requirements. Such as minimum headcount for creation, what needed to be sacrificed for the license, and how strong the Guardian needed to be in order to command the position of a Guild Master.

    "Have they extended a warm welcome to the Corps?" Cyrus muttered since he was right next to Lucian, reading the notice as well. "You know, you''re not a true Guardian until you join that place."

    "Mm," Lucian nodded, but still possessed a conflicted expression.

    When he saw that, Cyrus placed his hand on Lucian''s shoulder. "I know you''re worried. But, you don''t need to accept straight away, right? Why not scope out the place first, then?"

    "I could," Lucian replied with a contemplative expression. It was true. He didn''t need to deliver an answer right away. And, should he end up refusing, then the Corps would have a hard time tracking him, given that surveillance was a moot option.

    Meanwhile, Doctor Arc''s jaw dropped when he saw the notification Lucian received. While he was aware that the Corps recruited actively, he didn''t expect them to move this fast. Therefore, he could only change his plan on the spot while grabbing Lucian''s arm.

    "Lucian, if you go there, remember to mention me!"

    Gradually, Lucian''s expression became odd as he looked at Doctor Arc. The desperation in his eyes made Lucian understand something, "Is there something you need from that place?"

    "Assistance¡­" Doctor Arc muttered, causing Lucian to be slightly taken aback by how transparent Doctor Arc was. Only he understood just how rare it was for a Guardian to pass the tutorial since most of them were too greedy to work together properly.

    "For what reason?" Lucian asked further. Since he was being so transparent, then he might as well receive the whole story.

    "For their equipment. I think there''s a way to create Guardians. If we can get the right tech, then¡­" Doctor Arc''s expression changed drastically, showcasing how much of a scientific zealot he was.

    But, as one who experienced the Fractal Pillar, Lucian understood that it wasn''t something that a mere human could hope to replicate. At least, not without an item on par with the Limitless Stone.

    Unless there was someone similar to Lucian, who possessed a type of transcendent item that could act as a catalyst for Doctor Arc''s research, then Lucian didn''t see how it could possibly work.

    Regardless, Lucian found use in his zealous nature, "If I mention your name, what can you do for me?"

    "I¡­ I can¡­ err," Doctor Arc stammered and looked about as he tried to scrounge up an enticing offer. Eventually, he settled for something that Lucian hadn''t expected, "I can pour all of my research into Cyrus, effectively creating a way to augment him with the help of Mana Crystals!"

    "In other words, you want Cyrus to be your test subject?" Lucian replied with a deepening frown. Though the offer sounded good, it was too dangerous. Let alone Doctor Arc, because of the stone''s words, Lucian barely even trusted the Fractured Monolith.

    After all, what was the reason for the Monolith? It wasn''t like the planet was on the verge of dying. The scientists had long since solved the issue of global deterioration. All the Monolith did was fortify the planet and humans more than they could accomplish through their own knowledge.

    After all, Mana was simply an energy of the gods. Its uses were simply innumerable, spanning from fuel to healing.

    "Erm," Doctor Arc murmured.

    "Forget about that. Instead of a test subject, how about you offer yourself? You said you want to research? Then surely you have knowledge outside of the norm," Lucian replied.

    "Undoubtedly!" Doctor Arc nodded repeatedly.

    "Good. Then if I come across a way inside the Corps, then I''ll present you an offer later. Acceptable?" Lucian said.

    Although it wasn''t the best answer possible, Doctor Arc settled for it and simply nodded. In truth, Lucian wasn''t interested in searching for such material, but perhaps having a seeker of knowledge on his side would prove beneficial in the long run.

    After all, he couldn''t accomplish everything himself.

    Eventually, because of both Doctor Arc and Cyrus''s input, Lucian decided to check out the Guardian Corps. However, while the invitation didn''t reveal a date, it told him to arrive as soon as possible.

    If it was anything like the Awakened Association, then Lucian was sure it didn''t tolerate sloppy punctuality.

    Therefore, Lucian decided to travel there. Except, the Guardian Corps wasn''t like the Awakened Association with branches all over. It only had one branch per locality and one main headquarters.

    And, when it came to registration, new Guardians were required to head towards the main headquarters. Because of the vast distance, the invitation doubled as a flight ticket. With how far it was, a jet was the fastest and only option to arrive there.

    Unless it was someone like the strongest Guardian, who was in the Heroic Order and thus possessed the ability to take flight.

    "It''s that far away?" Lucian muttered. After bringing up the location of the main headquarters, Lucian learned that it was over 14,000 miles away! That was equivalent to the distance from New York to China twice over.

    Trying to get there on foot was simply impossible, especially in his weakened state. Lucian was incapable of reaching even half the speed of Jacob, who not only had high agility but possessed an ability of superspeed that increased his running speed by 3 times.

    Whereas Guardians awakened abilities tailored to them, simple Awakeneds only possessed general abilities of superstrength, superspeed, telekinesis, or the like.

    "I guess you''ll have to get going soon then," Cyrus said as he read the distance with Lucian. He too, was just shocked.

    "Yeah, perhaps so. I''ll call you when everything is done," Lucian replied before standing up. But, before he even thought about leaving, he needed to do something else. There was an unpleasant smell coming from his body that he couldn''t stand.

    All the sweat from battle had accumulated.

    "Shower?" Lucian asked while looking around, causing Doctor Arc to point towards the back.

    "If you need, we can send for a change of clothes as well!" Doctor Arc politely offered. Since Lucian more or less agreed to his demands, he treated him like a golden child, catering to his every need.

    "That would be appreciated," Lucian said with a nod before heading towards the back.

    ¡­

    Three hours later¡­

    Lucian stood before an open lot with a few faces he had seen before. Though he wasn''t acquainted with them, he remembered their faces from the Echelon Lounge and Proximal Space. They were also new Guardians heading towards the Corps headquarters.

    However, there were no more than 30 of them, since there were various countries for the Guardians to live in. It just so happened that a handful of them came from within a 100-mile radius of Lucian.

    Still, Lucian didn''t interact with any of them, simply resting against the hangar gates as he heard the turbines of a jet approaching from the distance.

    ''Time to board,'' Lucian thought before walking towards the jet that opened before them.

 Chapter 66 - A Luxurious Experience

    ----

    The entrance of the jet was more spacious than anything Lucian had ever experienced. Although his family was well off before the Priming, his parents were often busy. Which led to the sparse vacations. Be that as it may, Lucian wasn''t resentful. In fact, he felt fortunate.

    Because, although they were busy, they never missed a night of tucking him in. Which was also a reason why he was so hellbent on finding their whereabouts. Their gentle care often flowed through his mind when he was younger.

    Just imagining their embrace was what allowed him to sleep better at night despite their absence.

    Still, the interior of the jet allowed all 30 of the Guardians to be seated comfortably, with some even able to lie in reclining lounge chairs made from the finest fabric. Lucian, on the other hand, sat before a small table against the window.

    While there were many more spacious seats, he favored the view over all the pleasantries the jet was outfitted with. Once everyone was seated, the turbines of the jet roared as Lucian watched the asphalt pass by rapidly.

    Within moments, they were airborne. The ascent wasn''t the slightest bit uncomfortable despite the rapid climb. As Guardians, if a little turbulence could unsettle them, then what were they worth?

    Meanwhile, Lucian leaned on his palm while tapping his finger against the small glass window as they soon traveled above the clouds. A faint smile appeared on Lucian''s lips as he examined them, ''They look like a dense gathering of Mana from this point of view.''

    Because of how he looked at it, the sight reminded Lucian of when he used the healing ability duplicated from Quinn. In fact, he started to wonder if these clouds were in fact imbued with Mana. After all, the Priming had changed everything.

    Surely, the atmosphere beyond what they interacted with was affected as well.

    All of a sudden, a familiar voice sounded behind him. "Is this spot taken?"

    Lucian shifted his gaze away from the window before looking at the newcomer. It was a charming beauty of an average height. However, Lucian''s eyes instantly traveled to her pale blue hair and the eyes to match.

    Although the temperature was cool, the newcomer only wore a light dress that conformed to her curves and light crystalline jewelry, without a coat or other garments to keep her warm.

    Still, Lucian shook his head, "It''s not."

    "May I sit then?" The girl asked while pointing at the seat directly before Lucian. From her polite attitude, it was clear she didn''t realize who she was talking with. Anyhow, as Lucian was indifferent towards this request, he simply shrugged in response.

    "No one owns it. You may take it if you like," Lucian said before turning his gaze back out the window.

    The girl didn''t ask further before taking a seat directly across from him. At first, she followed his gaze and looked out the window, but then she turned her attention back towards Lucian before introducing herself.

    "Alana Frost," she said with an extended hand. "You are?"

    "Lucian," he answered before grasping her hand for a brief moment. It was cold to the touch, but Lucian expected as much as he recalled her identity. This was the same girl who awakened a substantial ice ability in the Awakened Association.

    Though, from what Lucian sensed, it was much stronger now. Evidently, it was the result of her becoming a Guardian. ''I didn''t see her before but I guess she was lucky enough to be chosen.''

    Withdrawing his hand, Lucian returned his gaze to the passing horizon.

    However, Alana continued to look at him. Despite his different appearance, she had this gnawing feeling that this boy before her was familiar. Ultimately, she had to confirm her suspicions.

    "Have we met before¡­ Lucian?" Alana asked.

    Before answering, Lucian was slightly surprised for a moment. Apart from Cyrus, no one else felt he gave off a recognizable feeling. So the fact that Alana felt he was familiar surprised him for a moment.

    "If I say we have, what would you say?" Lucian answered with a small chuckle.

    "I would believe you, because you give off a slightly nostalgic feeling, but it feels¡­ new," Alana nodded. "So, have we?"

    "We did meet before. About... a month ago I would say," Lucian answered. At first, Lucian was about to say something different, but he caught himself. He remembered that while close to 2 days passed in the Monolith, a month went by on Alteria.

    ''I have to get used to that conversion. An hour within the Monolith is worth a day in my world,'' Lucian thought to himself.

    Meanwhile, Alana pondered his words. ''A month ago? The only significant event from then would be when I awakened. But, there was no one like him there.''

    "I''m sorry, what did you say your last name was?" Alana questioned. But Lucian shook his head.

    "I didn''t. But, it''s Salvatore."

    "Salvatore¡­" Alana murmured while revisiting her memories. Eventually, she found a memory related to this name. Though, when she did, her expression because even more befuddled.

    That was because the person in her memory was of great contrast to the person before her. Whereas the one who failed to awaken was frail and desperate, the person before her appeared collected and confident. Could it truly be the same person?

    Suddenly, an assistant approached their table with a silver platter in their grasp. As it was placed on the table, there was a shrimp cocktail that gave off a tantalizing smell. On top of that, there were two dishes with succulent steak oozing flavor.

    As he laid eyes upon them, Lucian grumbled. Now that he was re-acclimating to Alteria''s temporal frequency, his hunger returned in droves. And, since the Guardian Corps was aware of this effect, everyone on board was given a complimentary and luxurious meal.

    "Courtesy of the Corps," the assistance said with a respectful bow before walking away.

    Lucian''s eyes were glued to the steak as he gulped. As his family lacked credits, this class of meal was a luxury that he hadn''t experienced in years. Not only did it bring back nostalgic memories, but it stimulated his appetite beyond belief, leading him to pick up the fork.

    Alana watched his movements closely, soon picking up her fork as well. But whereas Lucian took a huge bite, she looked down before slowly looking back at Lucian, "Are you the boy from the Awakened Association and the Proximal Space?"

    "Oh? You saw me in the Proximal Space? Why didn''t I see you?" Lucian replied with his mouth still cradling his fork.

    "I did. But, I didn''t expect you to be so close to an Overseer, so I didn''t approach you. They''re¡­ tricky beings, I guess you could say," Alana answered before finally taking a bite. According to what her aunt told her, Overseers were conniving at times.

    At least, the one she dealt with. Unlike these two, Alana''s aunt was in a completely different echelon. So the Overseer assigned to her was different as well. But, her analysis wasn''t wrong.

    Some Overseers only kept their own promotion in mind, leading them to take advantage of some Guardians in ways that didn''t warrant punishment. As long as it didn''t jeopardize the life of a Guardian, then the Overseers were permitted to act on their whims.

    "Anyway, didn''t you receive an F Rank Fractal Rating? Why don''t you feel like one then?" Alana whispered. Since this was information that was bound to cause a disturbance, she spoke in a voice that only she and Lucian could hear.

    "Because the Overseer said it was a fluke. I was simply an anomaly that wasn''t properly registered. But, that''s fixed now," Lucian answered. However, his answer was a twist of the truth.

    While it was true that he was unregistered, that didn''t affect the state of the Fractal Pillar. Fortunately, except for the Overseers, no one else was aware of this fact. So, Lucian managed to get away with this manipulation of information.

    "I see. So what''s your real ranking?"

    "What''s yours?" Lucian countered immediately. As he didn''t remember her presence, he couldn''t recall the state of her Fractal Pillar. Moreover, he wasn''t exactly sure how to reveal his current rating.

    Due to the weakened period, he was rated as E Rank.

    "Maximized Elite," Alana revealed with a proud expression.

    However, Lucian was confused because this term was not in the information that Overseer Vohr gave to everyone.

    Since she understood his expression, Alana giggled a bit. "It just means that I failed to become the 9th Extraordinary Guardian. But, I awakened with 488 Accumulated Destinies."

    Lucian''s eyes narrowed because another way of saying this was that she missed the threshold by a sliver!

 Chapter 67 - Breathtaking Guardian Corps

    ----

    ''She had over 400 Accumulated Destinies?'' Lucian thought as he gazed at Alana with a conflicted expression. Not only did she have enough Accumulated Destinies to heal his siblings, but she was also the only Guardian he knew that was so close to the Extraordinary threshold.

    Though, it was a shame that Guardians only underwent a second Awakening at the time of reception. For Alana to capitalize on the Destinies in her possession, it would require her to undergo her advancement.

    Unfortunately, she was nowhere near the authority needed to activate her advancement, and she was aware of that thanks to her background.

    Still, Lucian could only shake his head, ''If I were to receive the stone with her circumstance, then my siblings wouldn''t be in their current situation.'' Again, Lucian rued his current plight even though there were ample ways for him to acquire destinies.

    Unlike the rest, while he held a cheat-like ability, it seemed like he still needed to put in a substantial amount of effort to bring out its highest worth.

    Meanwhile, after sensing his thoughts, the stone disagreed.

    ¡´That is incorrect! I needed an empty vessel to merge with. One that was barren. You would have exploded if there was destiny from another you at the time of merging.¡µ

    ''Exploded? Why? Don''t you absorb destiny, anyway?''

    ¡´I do not absorb! I transmute! I change destiny into pure tangible power for you.¡µ

    ''But still, I don''t understand where the issue fits. You could have simply transmuted the power into what you say,'' Lucian countered. An infuriated groan sounded in his mind as the stone''s sentience seemed to become incensed by his questioning.

    ¡´No! No! No! My power would have separated throughout the cosmos searching for your doppelgangers. Once found, this vessel would be the principal root! So, you would experience a collision beyond a nuclear explosion when they came together.¡µ

    Immediately, Lucian blanked. It seemed like the power of destiny wasn''t as straightforward as it seemed. After all, Lucian had learned of the destruction of nuclear weapons from history. They were simply tools of inordinate destruction!

    And, there was no way for him to survive a blast like that. Therefore, Lucian simmered down and even stopped grumbling over his circumstances. Because it was clear that meticulous planning went into choosing him.

    If not, then that voice who spoke to him wouldn''t have summoned him to the Monolith to find the stone hidden in plain sight from those who sought it.

    On the other hand, Alana tilted her head when she noticed Lucian''s prolonged silence. She thought that her revelation had short-circuited him! "Are you¡­ okay?"

    Lucian blinked before focusing his gaze back on her, "I''m fine, but was the Guardian Corps always on an island? I thought the world turned into a Pangea after the Priming."

    "OH! Are we here already?!" Alana exclaimed before looking out the window. But, she then started to blink as all she saw was water expanding into the vast distance. If that was the case, why did Lucian ask that question?

    "Huh?" Alana looked back at Lucian, unsure of what to make of this situation.

    Of course, Lucian didn''t reveal that while he couldn''t see the Guardian Corps. Several auras were launching into the sky beyond the vast border of water. At a glance, Lucian knew it had to belong to the Guardian Corps because the vibrancy matched that of the Fractal Force.

    What Lucian was sensing was the Fractal Force of many Guardians gathered in one general area. As Hypervigilance was an SS Rank Ability, it turned Lucian into a monstrous scout, surpassing many radar technologies.

    "Relax. It''s just an observation. If there''s a ring of water previously unaccounted for, then obviously there''s an island nearby because a Pangea is a simple mass of land," Lucian chuckled.

    "Ah," Alana nodded before taking a seat. For a moment, she thought Lucian had the perception of a monster. After all, from what she estimated, they were still over 10,000 miles away.

    Soon enough, they fell silent as Lucian started to close his eyes after finishing his meal. Now that his stomach was full, all he wanted was some sleep until they reached the island.

    However, he felt a light breeze and a tickle on his cheek, causing his eyes to flutter open. He saw Alana leaning across the table while rubbing a few locks of his hair between her fingers.

    "So¡­ soft," Alana muttered. She was astonished by how soft it was. Similar to Aurora, she wondered just how he managed to have better upkeep than she did. Of course, she didn''t understand that Lucian''s body was forged from a divine item.

    How could its qualities be compared to a mere human''s, even if it was terrifyingly incomplete?

    "Have you¡­ had your share? I''d like to rest if you will," Lucian muttered while closing his eyes. After experiencing Aurora''s behavior, Lucian understood that some girls had an attraction towards finer things.

    So, the attraction wasn''t to Lucian; it was because the superior qualities of his current appearance were quite beguiling.

    "I''m sorry. I just had to," Alana said with a short giggle before once again sitting down.

    In the meantime, Lucian simply closed his eyes. Gradually, he fell asleep, except it was a kind of sleep he had never experienced before. He drifted to an astral space where a crimson glob floated before him.

    Numerous rifts surrounded the glob, giving Lucian a familiar feeling. It was the same Creation Rifts created when he used his Manifestation ability. Apparently, this was somewhere related to the stone.

    ''Where is this?'' Lucian muttered while waving his hand around. A string of ethereal afterimages followed his hand as it moved, creating a breathtaking illusion.

    ¡´It is the Boundless Dimension. That cluster is the current amount of destiny in your possession. In order to become limitless, you need to fill this boundless space.¡µ

    ''WHAT?!'' Lucian exclaimed in shock. This area spanned farther than he could see. In fact, as the stone said, this space was boundless. And, it had another name.

    ¡´Yes. This is my true form. To become limitless, you need to fill me up. As you know, all of our actions rely upon that form of energy.¡µ

    As a divine item, it was something without bounds. And only now did Lucian understand how true that was. His remaining destiny was merely a drop in a vast ocean!

    In addition to learning of this place, Lucian also felt an indescribable sensation that felt beyond him. But, since he couldn''t put it in words, it wasn''t addressed. Steadily, Lucian just floated before the crimson cluster with a mystified gaze.

    ''So this is the appearance of destiny.''

    ¡´Unpurified destiny. Once you become a master of it, the color will change. But, until you have assumed the Limitless mantle, this will be the color. Also, it is time.¡µ

    Suddenly, Lucian felt the space rumbled.

    ¡­

    Lucian awakened with a deep gasp as he looked around.

    His sudden movement startled Alana, causing her to jump in fright, "Eh?! Who the hell wakes up like that? Are you having some type of nightmare?"

    But, Lucian didn''t answer and instead looked out the window. Sure enough, just as the stone revealed, the island housing the Guardian Corps'' main headquarters appeared before him.

    It was on an immense island whose outer perimeter was formed by a ring of verdant mountains that produced a dense mist. From what Lucian could tell, the headquarter wasn''t one building, but a collection of stadium-size constructs. The number totaled over 12, with each of them possessing independent training domes.

    "Sheesh. Way to go overboard," Lucian muttered in awe.

    "Yeah, the Skybreaker is definitely one to go overboard," Alana agreed. But her statement caused Lucian to snap towards her.

    "Skybreaker?"

    "Yeah. That''s the title of the Guardian Corps'' Chairman. Alteria''s strongest Guardian, Skybreaker," Alana answered.

    ''A title,'' Lucian thought to himself. He then remembered people talking about the Flame Sorcerer, Frost Witch, Byakko, and other monikers, which made him realize something.

    "Do Guardians gain a title?" Lucian asked.

    "Only after becoming a True Alpha, which is clearing up to the last floor of the Alpha placement," Alana replied with a nod.

    Seeing as there weren''t many Titled Guardians, Lucian presumed it was hard to make it to that point. Perhaps the number of people who did so far could be counted on both of his hands.

    Just then, the turbines of the jet powered down as they began their descent into a building that opened to reveal a designated hangar.

    The view Lucian saw made him entertain a few of his ignored thoughts. ''Perhaps this is a leviathan that I need more than I know.'' Thus, Lucian started to sprout some branching ideas.

 Chapter 68 - A Big Dog

    ----

    The jet''s door opened to reveal a group of individuals waiting to receive the newcomer. Contrary to what Lucian expected, it seemed the procedures within the Guardian Corps were more cordial than he gave them credit for.

    "Welcome, new Guardians, to the Isle of Power," the lead individual said. It was a male who appeared to be around Jacob''s age. He wore training gear similar to one Cyrus wore, except the elastic material seemed more resilient.

    While Lucian and the others departed from the jet, the person continued to walk them through the process.

    "Now that you''re here, we''ll conduct a thorough evaluation to understand the proper division to place you under. You''ll meet a variety of instructors such as myself along the way. For ease of mind, you can just call me Instructor Kilian."

    The black-haired male with golden eyes then gestured for them to follow along.

    However, Lucian was curious. ''Why do we need an evaluation? If they know we''re Guardians, then that means they should know who we are, no?''

    Of course, Lucian didn''t understand that the list they received didn''t provide any useful details as far as their Fractal Rating or the like went.

    As mentioned before, only two things were known¨Dtheir names and that they were from the Delta Echelon.

    One thing the new Guardian''s appreciated was the fact that the testing facility was nearby, on a straight path from the hangar. Once they arrived inside that place, Instructor Kilian branched off from leading them before tapping a man in a white lab coat.

    "Professor, start up the machine please," Instructor Kilian requested before turning back towards the group of Guardians. The man gave a small nod as his fingers moved with rapid precision. A series of beeps were heard, followed by a fierce rumble.

    The center of the testing facility''s floor split apart to reveal an enormous apparatus ascending through the ground. It was an enormous machine with several large probes protruding from the outer edge. Each probe contained a thick wisp of Fractal Force.

    There was an empty sphere at the center of the apparatus.

    "Stand inside the sphere and the Fractal Quantifier will give us the needed information," Instructor Kilian said.

    Compared to the testing apparatus inside the Awakened Association, this one was many times more thorough. After all, its blueprint and material to craft it was acquired by Skybreaker after becoming the first True Alpha.

    In simple terms, the apparatus before Lucian was a mechanized version of the Fractal Pillar. While it couldn''t determine the finer qualities such as the number of Accumulated Destinies. It could read Fractal Rating potential, Attributes, and Mana Quotient by scanning one''s Guardian Insignia.

    After all, that insignia was something that couldn''t be faked.

    One by one, everyone went up and stood in the middle of the sphere. A vibrant aura emanated from their bodies before disappearing. And, based on how strong the reading was, the Guardians were sent to the First, Second, Third, or Special Division.

    All factors were considered when they received their potential placement. It was only an offer until they confirmed their allegiance with a manager, since instructors were only limited to training Guardians.

    Finally, it was Lucian''s turn.

    He entered the sphere and a sensation familiar to what he experienced while inside the Fractal Pillar engulfed his body. However, he could hear an annoyed grunt in his mind. Evidently, the stone detested this presence, but other than this noise, it didn''t interfere.

    It didn''t need to.

    ERROR!!

    An alarm blared throughout the testing center, causing the professor to press on his glasses while looking at Lucian, ''That''s unique. There are only three reasons for the alarm to sound when testing."

    The first reason was that the person being tested was too strong for the apparatus and their mana quotient could virtually overload the machine. Thus, shitting down to protect itself. Only Extraordinary and above Guardians were capable of this.

    The second reason was the exact opposite. The reading was too weak to even grasp, causing the system to produce an error. Among the three, this was the rarest since the machine was a copy of the Fractal Pillar.

    However, the third reason was even more of a mystery because it meant the apparatus couldn''t even sense the person inside the sphere. When it came to Lucian''s situation, it was the third one.

    "How odd. We''ll have to opt for manual evaluation then," the professor said before looking towards Instructor Kilian. "Will you do the honors?"

    "Sure I will¡­" Kilian was about to agree, however, a powerful voice kept him in his tracks.

    "No, I will. They have triggered the alarm, so I will handle what''s to come after," a deep voice said. It was a man whose figure was nearly 7 feet tall. While he wasn''t overly muscular, his body gave off an air of savagery.

    However, that wasn''t what attracted one''s attention.

    It was the gruesome scar spanning from above his right eye to below his right cheek. Coupled with his white hair and azure eyes, it formed a striking scene.

    Meanwhile, Lucian thought this person felt oddly familiar despite being a stranger, ''Why¡­ does he feel so familiar? Could it be some type of relation?''

    "Head Director Oryon!?" Kilian sputtered with widened eyes. And there was a good reason for it. This man was a big dog in the corps; a True Alpha just like Skybreaker. Only, he didn''t command the same prominent position in the Corps to retain his individuality.

    "Stand down, Kilian. I''ll test out the newbie," Oryon said before turning towards Lucian, "What is your current Strength and Agility standard?"

    "E," Lucian responded in a calm tone. He wasn''t the same person as before. So revealing this type of underwhelming strength didn''t bother him.

    Still, it did cause Oryon to narrow his eyes. ''Why so low? Could he not have cleared the 2nd floor?''

    Though he was curious, Oryon shrugged it off for the moment, "Very well. We''ll use a unique evaluation to determine what standard you''ll fall under. Are you ready?"

    "No, but which one of us could possibly be ready for someone that gives off your aura?" Lucian replied with a faint smile before jumping out of the sphere.

    "Heh, I like you, kid. Professor, close the apparatus," Oryon ordered.

    "Understood!" the man in the lab coat replied.

    Within seconds, the apparatus sank back into the floor as the training center returned to normal. All except the fact that Oryon looked at Lucian with a bizarre smile.

    "I feel like I should be remembering something here, but I''ll worry about that later. Depending on how long you last, I''ll be the one to consider putting you in a division befitting of your ability," Oryon said.

    "Ready?" Oryon asked while raising 3 fingers.

    Then two.

    Then one.

    Tap!

    Lucian''s eyes focused indefinitely as Oryon appeared before him in an instant. ''What type of speed is this?!'' Not only was Oryon''s movement soundless, but it was just too fast!

    However, Oryon was just as shocked as Lucian, ''The kid didn''t freeze up? No, his eyes even followed the exact path of my movement. How bizarre. Though, just as he stated, his bodily reactions are lagging.''

    "Don''t worry. As I''m too strong for you, there won''t be any physical contact. I am just trying to get a grasp of what you are. An Assaulter, Defender, Scout? And how well you fit into the chosen category," Oryon revealed.

    "Ah," Lucian said with a nod, before thinking about it, "A scout I guess."

    "Oh? Is that so? Shall we continue a little test again then?"

    "Sure," Lucian nodded.

    Suddenly, Oryon returned to his earlier position with a single step.

    "That was merely A Rank Agility, I''ll be upping the ante. Ready?"

    "Ready!" Lucian said with a concentrated expression as his eyes emitted a crimson hue. Involuntarily, the remains of his Mana Quotient flowed to his mind, activating his Hypervigilance at a heightened degree.

    Tap!

    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

    Unlike last time, Oryon didn''t move soundlessly and his movement speed now couldn''t be compared to what it was before. However, what was even more appalling was that his simple movements created what seemed to be absurd claw marks in the ground.

    Still, despite how fast he was moving, Lucian''s eyes followed him without fail.

    ''Sensory abilities capable of keeping up with S- Rank Agility despite his fresh designation as a guardian? Could this boy have a Heroic Order ability?'' Oryon thought before rubbing his chin with deep interest.

    "DAMMIT! Byakko, you brute!" An incensed voice sounded from a slender woman dressed in attire typically worn by female assassins. However, it was draped over by a baby blue robe.

    Her soft lilac hair swayed because of sharp frigid winds circulating her figure as her pale blue eyes glowered at Oryon.

    ''Byakko? Byakko¡­ I''ve heard this before.''

    Lucian then focused on the claw marks and soon understood the crux of the situation. The man administering the test was Oryon Rakesh, otherwise known as Cezar''s father!

    "I''ll pay for the damage. Don''t badger me, Frost Witch," Oryon said while shaking his head with a displeased grunt.

    This time, Lucian looked at Alana. After all, her aunt''s title just so happened to be Frost Witch.

 Chapter 69 - First... Or Special?

    ----

    "What?" Alana blinked after noticing Lucian''s gaze. Though she understood why he looked towards her, the question was simply an involuntary reaction towards Lucian''s awkward expression.

    "Frost Witch~," Lucian said with a faint chuckle. "Is that not your aunt? If so, why haven''t you greeted her yet?"

    "Why do you think she is here? This isn''t even her division," Alana responded while rolling her eyes. Still, she took a step forward and approached the Frost Witch from behind.

    Meanwhile, the Frost Witch continued to glower at Oryon despite his remark to pay for the damage. Evidently, the damage wasn''t the only thing that angered her to this extent.

    "We were having a meeting, yet you simply disappear?!"

    "The alarm sounded. I had to check the reason. What can I say, I just couldn''t help myself," Oryon said in a tone meant to irritate this woman even more, which it did. Her eyes widened as she choked angrily.

    "No excuse! You could''ve left it up to a manager in this sector!"

    "Oi, you fret too much. Just quiet down already, Elizabeth. It''s not like the meeting was important, anyway. These weekly check-ins are just cumbersome," Oryon scoffed while also waving her away.

    Naturally, the Frost Witch didn''t appreciate being blown off, but before the frigid winds surrounding her could expand, a finger gently tapped on her shoulder.

    "Aunty, you know that Director Rakesh won''t give in. Shouldn''t you just focus on me instead?" Alana said with a charming smile. At the same time, she also hugged her aunt''s arm, which helped to calm her down.

    "Okay, you win. He''ll always be the inexcusable brute he is," Elizabeth said with a faint nod. Though her expression was warm as she caressed Alana''s cheek, she didn''t give up the chance to insult Oryon.

    After all, their history spanned back before the Priming even took place.

    Instead of entertaining her comment, Oryon turned back towards Lucian with a narrowed gaze. ''Now, as I sensed earlier, this boy''s eyes followed my movements, but his body couldn''t move.''

    Suddenly, Oryon snapped his finger, "Elizabeth. Arguments aside, I need your input on this matter."

    "What?" Elizabeth answered before following Oryon''s gaze that fell on Lucian''s body, the boy that didn''t emit the slightest bit of Mana fluctuations. Either his body was robust enough to perfectly conceal the signature, or his Mana was just untraceable.

    "You want me to help you with this boy?"

    "Not quite. He''s the source of the alarm, and it''s the rarest kind of malfunction. The apparatus couldn''t get a reading on him at all," Oryon answered with an obscure gleam in his eyes.

    If the decision was solely up to him, then Oryon felt that Lucian''s senses should be on par with even some of the instructors. However, the fact that his body was this weak, only at the E standard, made it difficult for Oryon to determine his placement.

    Therefore, he required a second opinion. If a second opinion was involved, then it would be hard to appeal the choice made. Especially if both opinions were similar.

    "Ah, and your judgment is?" Elizabeth questioned while examining Lucian as well. Aside from his demeanor filled with confidence and a hint of disinterest, Elizabeth wasn''t sure that she sensed much else.

    However, that was to be expected. After all, none of these True Alphas were in the Heroic Order as Skybreaker was. So the chances of them sensing something produced by a divine item were slim to impossible.

    "I''m thinking either the First¡­ or Special Division?" Oryon muttered while rubbing his chin. In addition to liking Lucian''s sharp senses, Oryon remembered just what he was forgetting.

    ''I believe this is the individual my boy told me about. He went through some type of change inside the Monolith,'' Oryon thought to himself. While his son seemed inexperienced, Oryon understood that his son''s starting point was much higher than his.

    While Oryon was part of the Original Guardians, the ones who went through the trials of the Priming, he hadn''t become a True Alpha until recently. And, while a True Alpha, he had yet to undergo his third awakening, which meant he was still confined to the Transient Realm, albeit at the absolute peak of it.

    Conversely, Cezar was only at his first awakening, yet his Fractal Rating was graded above an S. In other words, all he needed was to break past to S Rank threshold to acquire the Heroic Order requirements.

    "Excuse me, you want to put him in the Special Division? You know, the division meant to house only Maximized Elites and Extraordinary Guardians?" Elizabeth said with an odd expression.

    She didn''t say anything about the First Division because it wasn''t as nonsensical as Lucian entering the Special Division. Whereas the Special Division was the cream of the crop Guardians, the First Division at most held strong Elites.

    Although their potential was substantial, it just wasn''t worth mentioning when placed alongside its superior counterpart. Because, although they were all on the same level as far as Monolith clearance went, the chasm between their strengths was vast.

    Only the Alphas understood how vast the jump from S- to S to S+ was. The lower ranks just couldn''t compare to this ranking.

    For example, Skybreaker''s power surpassed the other True Alphas by leaps and bounds. His power alone could battle all the True Alphas to a standstill simultaneously.

    Every member of the Special Division, whether junior or senior, possessed a potential of that caliber.

    Hence, why Elizabeth couldn''t understand Oryon''s judgment of classification. Of course, after sensing the dubious tone of Elizabeth, Oryon welcomed her to verify just why he thought he deserved that spot.

    "Don''t believe my judgment? Fine, see for yourself."

    "I just might," Elizabeth nodded before stepping before Lucian. However, Alana clutched her arm.

    "Aunty, don''t be too rough. You know how dangerous your ability is. And, the Flame Sorcerer isn''t around to reverse it," Alana said.

    Of course, Elizabeth was aware of this, because there was no way her young niece was more experienced than her.

    "So, what''s your specialty," Elizabeth questioned as she stood face to face with Lucian. As she wore steep high heels, coupled with her long, slender frame, she was on par with Lucian''s height of 6''1.

    "Scouting," Lucian answered indifferently. Since this was what he told Oryon, then he would stick to the story. Not only was it his most impressionable ability, but it was all that he could muster at the moment.

    "So, superior senses, then. Understood. Let''s see if you can sense me," Elizabeth said with a charming smile that made most of the male Guardians present drool. It was like laying eyes of an ice fairy.

    Suddenly, an immense blizzard appeared around Lucian and Elizabeth, yet Lucian didn''t feel a shred of cold air seeping from the blizzard. There was a dense screen of mana protecting him.

    Just as Oryon didn''t use any physical means, neither did Elizabeth. This was just an exanimation to test how sharp his senses were.

    As such, Elizabeth''s body faded gradually, mixing in with the rapid whirling of the blizzard. The ice storm erased her presence instantly once she merged with it.

    A voice entered Lucian''s ears. "If you can sense my position as the blizzard intensifies, then perhaps I''ll entertain Oryon''s thought. If you can''t, then you''re unsuitable for his high praise."

    The voice came from all directions in the blizzard, so Lucian didn''t turn at all. Instead, he gave a simple acknowledgment. "Understood."

    Steadily, the veil of mana protecting Lucian thinned, which allowed a thin stream of frigid air to touch him. If he couldn''t withstand just a slight amount of her powers, then there was no way he''d make it to the top floors.

    The settings of some of those floors were simply horrifying.

    Meanwhile, Lucian''s eyes gleamed with a crimson color as his gaze drifted listlessly, just like the air surrounding him. Though Elizabeth''s skill was superb, she was underestimating Lucian''s Hypervigilance.

    It was an ability with the starting standards of the Heroic Order. In other words, this was a basic version that had yet to be addressed by a suitable Limit Refinement. Once that occurred, then it was only a matter of time until he became an unchallenged existence.

    Sadly, the fact that it was so strong already meant that its upgrade requirements were bound to be simply horrendous!

    "Top-left corner. Front. Behind me. Bottom-left corner."

    Lucian called out a string of positions despite the thickening blizzard and increased cold air assailing his body. The more he called out, the more Oryon''s expression became delighted.

    Just as he used S Rank Agility, there was S Rank Mana inside the blizzard!

 Chapter 70 - A Freak, I Think!

    ----

    Since Lucian called out every position without fail despite her continually increasing the difficulty, Elizabeth found no reason to continue. One, Lucian''s current body was a barrier. So if she were to push this blizzard to its limits, then Lucian would undoubtedly freeze to death.

    Additionally, since Elizabeth focused all of her attention on monitoring the amount of cold seeping through, the temperature outside of the blizzard was plummeting, which caused the surrounding Guardians to shiver. Some of the weaker ones even saw as their breath turn to frost.

    Hence, why Elizabeth was known as the Frost Witch. Her control over shockingly cold temperatures made her a terrifying opponent. Not to mention, her dextrous ice crafting ability made her seem like a witch conjuring spells.

    Even more so because she tended to carry a small wand acquired in the higher thresholds of the Monolith.

    "Mm," Elizabeth mumbled as she appeared from behind Lucian. She surveyed him while shaking her head with a single thought, "This guy is a freak, I think. Who stays this calm while being frozen?"

    She lowered her eyes and noticed a bit of frostbite on the tips of Lucian''s finger. However, what she didn''t know was that compared to the pain of his Limit Release''s third activation, this frostbite was comparable to the discomfort caused by a mosquito bite.

    "So?" Oryon interjected with an excited expression. If she agreed with him, then there would be a new addition to the Special Division! Granted, that was if the contract they composed was to Lucian''s liking. If not, not only would he not be joining this place, but he wouldn''t be revealing the information behind his current display.

    "Err, his senses surely are surprising to sense True Alphas, but how will we know his growth rate? What if it''s already exhausted? After all, that E rank vessel is rather underwhelming," Elizabeth said with a troubled expression.

    While she wished to agree with Oryon, she felt Lucian''s vessel was truly a limiting factor. What use was a powerful mind if the body could not keep up? The incongruent nature of his abilities created the conflict in Elizabeth''s evaluation of Lucian.

    "Growth rate? You worry too much. Think about it; why are you worried about his growth rate when those senses are already on par with True Alphas?" Oryon countered with a valid point. In fact, it even made Elizabeth rethink her decision.

    "True," Elizabeth murmured with a faint nod.

    "Besides, your view of this situation is too narrow," Oryon added.

    Elizabeth''s worry lied in the fact that Lucian''s current vessel could get him killed inside some of the Anomaly Rifts they entered. Especially the ones provided to the Special Division.

    However, Oryon felt differently. Not all people on the battlefield needed to take place in the battle physically. After all, although he was a fervent advocate for a frontal assault, the fact remained that there were many factors to winning a battle¨Dplacement, attack strategies, defense strategies, rapid decisions¨Dall of this remained indispensable when both sides were of similar strength.

    Therefore, Oryon felt Lucian''s ability was more than enough to earn a spot inside the Special Division. As long as he was trained properly, he could potentially usurp the current overseer of the battlefield.

    "Even then¡­ I''m sure Odin won''t like the fact that you''re thinking of adding a potential replacement for his son in the junior sector of the Special Division," Elizabeth said. But, there was also a mischievous smirk brewing against her lips.

    "And just for that, I''ll second your decision! He can enter the Special Division at the behest of us," Elizabeth added.

    Oryon grinned and eventually turned towards Lucian, "Let''s get a more comprehensive understanding of your potential. Follow me."

    The sliding double doors leading to the back of the testing center opened up as Oryon, followed by Lucian, exited through them. Since this was a mere testing center, it didn''t possess the means to draw up the contract.

    Alana looked towards the departing two before looking at her aunt, "Wow. The Special Division. I wouldn''t have thought that a previously failed awakening would lead to such an odd development."

    Immediately, Elizabeth''s eyes widened, "His awakening failed?!"

    Her reaction was more unusual than most. However, there was a reason behind it; someone on par with an Extraordinary Guardian couldn''t fail their awakening. The force of the Mana in their body was too strong for such a situation to take place.

    Therefore, Elizabeth was now sure of it. ''An absolute freakish situation.''

    ¡­

    Oryon sat before Lucian with a leisure posture. Despite his identity as a high-level Guardian, he didn''t give off the air of dignity that Lucian expected. ''Is this why Cezar is so wild? Has he adopted that nature from him?''

    Truth be told, out of the entire party, Lucian didn''t hold any malice towards Cezar. On the contrary, he was more curious than anything, because unlike the rest, he was free-spirited and acted upon every impulse that popped into his mind.

    Aside from that, Lucian also knew he was a genuine person. The apology given inside the boss room was authentic, and even without his Hypervigilance Lucian felt it. Unfortunately, he wasn''t in the mood for conversation then. Hence, his cold attitude.

    After all, who would be in a good mood after experiencing a near-death moment? If it wasn''t for the stone, Lucian would have died. There was only a sliver of vitality left in his heart when the stone stepped in.

    Though, that was the only time it could step in. It needed Apollo''s heart to be bled dry. Because simply put, the stone became his new heart. The blood that coursed through his body was the same crimson aura that he sensed in his visit to the boundless space.

    Suddenly, Oryon leaned forward, "Is it true that you were left to die in the Monolith?"

    Lucian''s expression became irregular as he looked at Oryon. "Cezar told you about that?"

    "Of course, he''s a good boy. Although he may be rough around the edges, he''s not one to withhold how he feels," Oryon said with a proud smile. But it was only for a moment before his expression became solemn.

    "I see," Lucian nodded while monitoring the change in Oryon.

    "Aside from your uncertain parameters as per your explanation, I can tell that you''re not one to willingly serve someone, correct?" Oryon asked.

    "I suppose your assumption is correct. But, I suspect this question has another meaning?" Lucian responded. Alongside his unrestrained demeanor, Lucian recalled that the source of the earlier argument was this man leaving from a meeting.

    If that was the case, then he was a kindred soul¨Dsomeone who didn''t like restrictions. Granted, the reason Lucian didn''t like restriction was different. After melding with the Limitless Stone, he awakened an innate loathing towards restrictions.

    How could something without limits be imposed on?!

    Oryon then admitted that there was indeed a hidden meaning in his words. But first, he asked something else, "What was your purpose for accepting the Corps'' invitation?"

    "To obtain more knowledge about these Anomaly Rifts. Why isn''t it something introduced to the public?" Lucian answered.

    To that, Oryon revealed an astonished expression. Typically, answer this question with a material answer, generally along the lines of exorbitant amounts of money. After all, the Isle of Power was the luxurious place in the world.

    As long as their ability aligned with their desires, then it was not a stretch to say that the Corps could provide anything that one could think of.

    So, the fact that Lucian was only focused on the rifts intrigued Oryon. Enough to make him reveal some information about it.

    "How would you react before becoming a Guardian if you were to learn that frequent tears about up in the fabric of space linking to different places in the universe? And that the other side is some place of unknown dangers?"

    "That¡­" Lucian muttered in astonishment. Eventually, he composed himself, "Panic, I suppose."

    "Exactly. Besides, there''s no reason to disclose this information to the public because they can''t sense it nor can they resolve it."

    "Is there a purpose for these rifts?"

    "Preparation," Oryon answered. While it was simple, Lucian could sense the dread in his tone. Clearly, there was something he wasn''t letting on.

    "For?"

    "Become a True Alpha and you''ll learn of it yourself," Oryon answered. Afterward, he switched the topic back to the reason for their sit-down.

    "As a candidate for the Special Division, there is an unpopular choice you can opt for¨Dthe superficial option. Your ties to Corps will be sparse and you will only receive a fraction of what the rifts offer."

    "But?" Lucian asked.

    "But, you''ll retain your freedom to move throughout Alteria and still receive training."

 Chapter 71 - Anomaly Rifts

    ----

    Lucian fell silent after hearing his choice. After all, based on what Oryon revealed, once they signed their contract, it limited most Guardians to the Corps'' island unless stated otherwise. However, the only reason for the Guardian''s confinement was to ensure they advanced as quickly as possible.

    Essentially, the Guardian Corps eliminated all outside obstructions to promote their fastest growth. Not only would this decision prompt the Guardians to enter the monolith frequently, but the training received in the Corps also benefitted them greatly.

    After all, most of the training was live combat provided by the Anomaly Rifts. Additionally, as the name implied, the Special Division held special privileges. If they wished to, they could easily leave the island for a breath of fresh air or to perform some menial task.

    However, as valued individuals, their positions experienced monitoring at all times, making their freedom stifled. Hence, why Oryon gave Lucian an additional choice. From what he sensed, Oryon felt Lucian wasn''t the type to appreciate binds.

    Eventually, Lucian scratched his cheek while glancing towards Oryon, "When you say training, what exactly do you mean?"

    "Squadron training and ability honing. Although activating an ability is easy, there''s also room for improvement in the way it is applied," Oryon said with a shrug of his shoulder.

    "Squadron training?" Lucian parroted with an odd expression. He didn''t expect the training to extend that far. Because, that was typically the type of training used to prepare for wars, including up to 500 people, sometimes more.

    "Correct. There are three types of group training we introduce to our recruits," Oryon nodded before continuing, "Division, Squadron, and finally Personal."

    In short, it was as it sounded. Division training included all the members of that division in mass training. Squadron training divvied up those numbers into more manageable groups. But, the training regimen was similar, just on a smaller scale.

    Lastly, though called personal training, it included a group of 8 aptly known as an attack team. Just like the beginning floors of the monolith, some Anomaly Rifts only allowed up to 8 people, whereas others required a much larger number to have any chance of clearing it.

    However, the difficulty of the rifts matched the rewards.

    "I see. And, what''s the difference between an exclusive and non-exclusive contract under the Special Division?"

    "Quite large. The former allows you 10% of the retrieved value from the rift, whereas the latter only allows you to keep 2%, nor will you get the bonus for the grade of the rift," Oryon answered.

    Lucian''s eyes narrowed when he heard this answer. ''Such a large disparity? Quite the ruthless bunch, aren''t they?''

    However, Lucian understood that as the mightiest organization on Alteria, the Guardian Corps possessed the means to manipulate the rates as they saw fit. After all, the rifts were something that only Guardians could amend as of now. Perhaps it might change in the future, but as of now, things were rather one-sided.

    Besides, this was a tactic employed by many companies to entice the recruit to join under their exclusive banner. After all, what company would risk their profits on an individual that wasn''t exclusive to them?

    Unless their worth was unfathomable, then the odds of that taking place were slim to none.

    Not too long after, Lucian raised another question. "A bonus, you said? Depending on the grade of the rift? What exactly are these grades?"

    "As of right now, there are 5 known levels of these rifts¨Dgreen, yellow, orange, red, and crimson," Oryon answered. Towards the end, Oryon''s voice became grim, symbolizing the dread of a crimson gate.

    Until now, the world had only seen two, and each of them required Skybreaker to personally step in.

    Each color represented rift''s general difficulty.

    Green represented a minor difficulty, even able to be cleared by new Guardians as the strongest enemy never surpassed C Rank. Typically, the enemies of such rifts would be goblins, knolls, or other races of this magnitude.

    Yellow represented moderated difficulty, typically requiring more experienced Guardians to resolve it. After all, the general monster ranking was on par with a B Rank Guardian. Unless up to the 4th floor was cleared, then unless it was a Maximized Elite or an Extraordinary Guardian, it would be hard to achieve that attribute level.

    Orange represented considerable difficulty. Rifts of this magnitude usually required numerous attacks teams to overcome. Although the highest monster was only an A-Rank, the sheer volume of monsters made the difficulty of clearing the rift considerable.

    Red represented a rift of high difficulty. Without a doubt, the highest monsters inside there were S Rank, and they numbered more than a few. The Alphas always handled these gates as only their attributes were strong enough to combat the terrors inside.

    Finally, a crimson rift meant extreme difficulty. After all, of the two rifts that formed of this level, each of them released a monster of the Heroic Order. Hence, why Skybreaker was forced to step in. Even then, clearing those rifts resulted in some appalling outcomes.

    After listening to the recount of the difficulty, Lucian''s expression changed drastically. Because according to Oryon, each rift produced a type of vault at the end. And while the items inside the vault varied, there was always some type of use for them.

    Eventually, Lucian made his decision.

    "Though it''s not the best choice, I''ll have to opt for the lesser option. The 8% difference is something that I''ll have to deal with," Lucian answered.

    Despite his response, Oryon smiled. "I couldn''t agree more. Also, if you give my boy a chance, I''m sure you''ll come to like him. Though I had to reprimand him to keep up appearances, he''s one of this generation''s Maximized Elites."

    "Interesting," Lucian muttered while thinking back to Cezar. He wasn''t unlikeable, but as of now, Lucian couldn''t picture himself teaming up with Cezar. At least, not inside the monolith.

    His current party, while lacking in strength, complemented Lucian nicely. As long as they refined their abilities, then Lucian could see himself using their powers to increase their efficiency on the floors.

    But, Ahri''s Radiation ability remained an anomaly. If it continued to level up, she could become a weapon of mass destruction, outclassing even nuclear weaponry. However, that frightening ability was accompanied by some alarming worries.

    "Anyway," Oryon slipped a paper towards Lucian, "Sign this and we welcome you to the Corps."

    Lucian unhurriedly scanned the paper before he signed it. Halfway through the scan, he saw a piece of intriguing information. The bonus Oryon mentioned went by the ranking, starting from 20,000 Credits it escalated all the way up to 20,000,000.

    However, that number was rarely reached because it required a crimson rift. In addition to this information, Lucian also learned that there was a signing bonus and it could be designated to whomever they wished.

    But, since Lucian was only non-exclusive, he only received 10% of the 100,000 Credit welcome bonus. Still, 10,000 Credits was nothing to scoff at.

    Without hesitation, Lucian put Cyrus''s name as the beneficiary of the welcome bonus. One, Lucian didn''t want to manage the money, as it was too much of a hassle. Two, Cyrus could use the credits to buy Mana Crystals.

    Though it only produced a marginal increase in training speed, every boost was worth it when aiming to acquire strength.

    "How often will you be venturing to and from the island? As a non-exclusive member, you''re allowed up to 6 passes every month. Any additional travel will have to be shouldered by you," Oryon said.

    "I suppose every 5 days will work if that''s the spacing of the schedule," Lucian answered.

    "Understood. Take this card to the registry area and they''ll form your credentials," Oryon said before waving his hand. In the next moment, he vanished, leaving Lucian by himself to glance at the card in his hands.

    ''The War Tiger, Byakko. I suppose that''s his full title,'' Lucian thought to himself before standing up. Since he was here, he might as well test out what all the fuss was about. After all, there were two weeks until he could get anything worthwhile done.

    Eventually, Lucian shifted his attention elsewhere, "I wonder if I could ask them to locate Ahri while they make my credentials. She should be here seeing as she asked to meet me here."

    Not too long after, Lucian followed Oryon''s directions and reached the institute that made all the credentials on the island.

 Chapter 72 - Completed Registration

    ----

    The building that made the Guardian credentials on the Isle of Power resembled an administrative office found on college campuses. Large glass panes with gold-plated door handles greeted Lucian''s sight as he stepped inside, scanning the interior.

    Instead of what he expected, the institute appeared more like the layout found on the ground floor of a Fortune 500 company. The desks were even larger than some of the concierge desks.

    However, Lucian felt this was to be expected. After all, the Isle of Power was the richest entity on Alteria. Why wouldn''t lavish buildings litter the expanse of the island''s coverage?

    Eventually, Lucian approached the desk located in the center of the floor. Not only was it the only vacant area, but each desk possessed a unique label. As one would assume, the Isle of Power possessed an organized classification system. So, each of the desks possessed a code assigned to a distinct division.

    A Guardian could only approach the desk that corresponded to the code on their identity slip granted by their instructor. In Lucian''s case, it was the card given to him by Oryon.

    Once he arrived at the desk, a slim male with black hair and glasses with a slender frame looked up towards him, "A new Guardian, I presume?"

    "Correct," Lucian nodded while leaning against the desk. He slipped his hand in his pocket and withdrew the card mentioned earlier. Silently, he slid the card across the desk, within arm''s length of the male.

    Before accepting it, his eyes fell upon the name on the card, "An addition to the Special Division? You must be quite extraordinary then."

    "I suppose you can say that. Aren''t we all?" Lucian said with a soft chuckle.

    Compared to an early age human, Awakeneds were truly extraordinary. They each possessed abilities that escaped the imaginations of humans. When it came to this fact, the Priming was truly a blessing.

    But, that''s as far as its grace stretched.

    "I guess we are. However, some are more so than others. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have created this breakdown to separate the outstanding from the rest," the male said before pausing shortly, "You''ll be seeing me quite often, so allow me to introduce myself¨Dthe name''s Eren."

    Eren extended his hand to Lucian with an amicable smile.

    Since there was no malice between them, Lucian returned the gratitude with a simple handshake. However, Eren''s expression soon changed. There was a reason he sat at this desk, receiving all the newcomers.

    His ability was similar to Doctor Arc''s, except it was much more powerful with a variety of attached usages. One of them was the ability to sense a Guardian''s power level after having contact. After sensing their parameters, Eren then recorded the Guardian''s biosignature and embedded it into their credentials.

    With a special software created with the use of the Professor''s ability, their progress was recorded and updated in real-time, allowing the Corps to monitor how fast everyone was progressing outside of the Monolith.

    Yet, Eren couldn''t get a reading on Lucian at all, which he found odd. As a member of the Special Division himself, his ability''s innate ranking was an S Rank with the potential to grow.

    "Is something wrong?" Lucian asked after noticing Eren''s obscure expression. Evidently, there was something amiss.

    "Yes¡­" Eren said while gradually twisting his wrist. This caused the output of his ability to skyrocket, but the results remained the same. He couldn''t penetrate the defenses surrounding Lucian''s information.

    Because of this, Eren resorted to using the basic way of gathering information. ''How odd. Even the Void Princess and Goliath couldn''t escape the usage of my ability. What''s up with this guy?''

    Eren cleared his throat and withdrew his hand while looking at Lucian, "My ability is of no use, so I''ll have to collect the information the proper way. What''s your Fractal Rating?"

    "Unknown," Lucian replied.

    Again, Eren''s expression became awkward as he looked up at Lucian. "Unknown? Are you perhaps¡­ an Evolver?"

    "Perhaps?" Lucian shrugged with an intrigued expression.

    The term Evolver was something he heard once before. Priscilla introduced the term to him. According to her, it was an extremely rare classification. It was a Guardian without a cemented Fractal Rating. Generally, an evolver meant that something happened to a Guardian while within the Monolith.

    Either they chanced upon a power hidden deep within themselves, or they gained access to some type of transcendent item. However, the number of transcendent items that appeared until now could be counted on a single hand.

    Perhaps there were some the Corps was unaware of, but for the most part, every individual with a transcendent item was a cherished addition of the Guardian Corps. However, what they didn''t understand was that Lucian''s caliber was unprecedented.

    "Then¡­ what is your current Fractal Rating? Also, tell me your current vessel rating so I can log it," Eren said as his fingers moved at a rapid pace. One hand typed in the information that Lucian disclosed to him, but the other pulled up a special window.

    For a moment, Eren''s expression changed. ''They aren''t aware that this boy is an Evolver? Has no one questioned his rating until now? Then again, he has one of the Director''s cards. I''m sure the higher-ups will notice him soon enough.''

    Shortly after, Eren closed the second window, continuing to look at the screen before him. "Ability and its starting state?"

    "Hypervigilance. A starting rank of S+," Lucian said. Although he was part of the Special Division, Lucian couldn''t justify himself revealing that his skill possessed an innate Heroic Order ranking.

    Even the Skybreaker only received one of them after stepping into the Heroic Order. Since they could not verify his words, there was no reason to paint such a large target on his back. Although he could garner favor with the higher-ups of the Corps, it wasn''t worth the tradeoff.

    ''I''ll be in the presence of those my age, not the higher-ups. Besides, unlike the others, my ranking is truly abnormal,'' Lucian thought.

    Whereas the others started at a solid rank, Lucian didn''t possess the ability to combat his peers right now. Therefore, attracting attention from any of the Maximized Elites or Extraordinary Guardians was out of the equation for the time being.

    Even then, an S+ Ability was still a shock.

    "Wow! No wonder you''ve been put into this division. Such a high starting position typically means the ability possesses the ability to strengthen into a Heroic Order skill," Eren said before extending his palm. "Hand please."

    Steadily, Lucian gave Eren his arm.

    Hsssss!

    Eren pressed a gadget against Lucian''s arm, which implanted a small chip into this arm. Immediately, a holographic screen appeared before Lucian, which displayed all of his information down to the tiniest detail.

    Even the fact that the Astral Corrosion Sickness plagued his siblings. This caused a question to sprout in his mind.

    "Can Guardians request to have the Astral Corrosion Sickness treated?" Lucian asked.

    Eren glanced at the information and saw the reason he asked, "Ah. It''s possible. But it''s only available to Guardians with ample contribution to the corps. Furthermore, the contribution amount is more exorbitant for non-exclusive members."

    Eren continued, "But, you''re welcome to change the state of your agreement at any time. Other than that, it''s quite easy to rack up contribution points. Here."

    Eren handed Lucian a piece of paper that detailed everything about the Corp''s contributions system. Weapons, armors, crafting items, and rift resolving all counted towards contributions. Except they held different values.

    After looking through the list with a quick glance, Lucian nodded. "Perhaps we can talk about it in the future."

    Only once he could move unrestricted would Lucian even entertain the idea of forming an exclusive contract with the Corps. Perhaps not until he completely healed his siblings.

    "We''re done here. I hope you enjoy the amenities the island has to offer," Eren said while handing Lucian his finalized card. For now, his card possessed a B Ranking. In other words, if need be, Lucian possessed clearance to register for a yellow Anomaly Rift.

    "See ya," Lucian waved before exiting through the door. He glanced at the whelp on his arm and rubbed his chin. ''Stone, does this chip interfere with anything?''

    ¡´No, its transmission is being blocked. The only active ability of this chip is tracking your ability.¡µ

    "Good," Lucian nodded before glancing around.

    Suddenly, a voice called out to him as he conversed with the stone. "Lucian!"

 Chapter 73 - Feelings Of Fury

    ----

    Lucian only stopped for a moment after hearing the voice. But, not even a second later, he before continued to walk away. After all, the voice belonged to someone Lucian wanted no relationship with. Just walking away from them required all of his patience.

    If it weren''t for his weakened state, perhaps he would have chosen a different course of action.

    Unfortunately, it appeared the owner of the voice didn''t appreciate Lucian''s blatant disregard for the presence.

    Whoosh!

    A gust of wind accompanied their rapid movement as a lithe figure appeared before Lucian''s view with a bitter expression, "Don''t you know it''s quite rude to ignore someone calling out to you?"

    Lucian glanced at her before simply stepping to the side. However, the other side mirrored his movement, making it impossible for him to pass. Eventually, his anger seeped through his indifferent expression as he glared at the person before him..

    "What do you want, Elaine?"

    "It''s not what I want; it''s the principle behind the action. Why ignore my call?" Elaine asked in an offended tone.

    Lucian looked at her oddly before chuckling as if he had just heard the most amusing joke. Was the girl serious? Did she believe their relationship to be amicable, or that Lucian was obligated to acknowledge her existence?

    "Listen. I don''t know how it works in your little world, but in the real world, people tend to stay away from those who make a move on their life," Lucian said in a tone that made the atmosphere chill a few degrees.

    Elaine''s eyes narrowed as she inspected Lucian closely. "That wasn''t our plan. We were only planning to dump you after farming the points from the tutorial and first floor. But, Priscilla acted outside of my expectation."

    "Oh? Just yours? And, why do I care about this?" Lucian asked while tilting his head with a bizarre expression. The more he looked at this girl, the more the urge to snap her neck welled up inside him.

    "Look, I''m trying to apologize for the way things took place," Elaine said with a frown. However, Lucian seemed uninterested as he looked away.

    "Wow, that''s some hell of an apology I''m hearing. So, when exactly will you be getting to it?" Lucian chuckled. His eyes shifted around while checking his surroundings. It was clear, meaning that Elaine was by herself. But, that didn''t detract from the fact she still stood in his way.

    However, seeing as Lucian was being entirely uncompliant, Elaine found herself becoming frustrated. "Why does it even matter? There will always be people sacrificed for a greater purpose. You should be grateful that you''re alive! That''s just the way the world works."

    Elaine wasn''t wrong. There were multiple incidences of weak Guardian being sacrificed in the tower to pave the way for even stronger ones. Typically, this tactic was employed by those who were strong but only strong enough to fill the middle-tier of Guardian.

    To ensure optimal growth, those who feared being left behind employed questionable tactics to fortify their growth. Blessed individuals such as Maximized Elites and Extraordinary Guardians didn''t need to resort to underhanded means.

    However, with no punishment for sacrificing the weak, the Guardian received an indirect green light to continue with their actions, which gave individuals like Priscilla the opportunity to perform their misdeed.

    Of course, Elaine''s brief outburst didn''t sit right with Lucian. A savage aura burst from his body as he stepped before Elaine, "That''s right. Expose your authentic emotions. Just know that I''m not the same person I once was."

    Elaine didn''t back down, looking up at Lucian with an expression just as fierce, "I had no part in it, but I won''t tolerate your disrespect. As I said, just be grateful that you''re still alive."

    "No, be grateful that you possess a parent high in this organization. Otherwise, that mouth wouldn''t be moving. Now¡­get out of my way," Lucian threatened.

    Naturally, Elaine didn''t appreciate the threat, but something about Lucian''s crimson eyes truly put her off. Though it was hard to tell, a familiar feeling emanated from his body. It was even more potent than Mana.

    Suddenly, a slightly worried voice sounded from not too far away. It was another familiar voice that belonged to a familiar individual.

    "Is there something wrong, Lucian?" Ahri asked while approaching the conflict from the side. Elaine''s face was familiar because she had once caught Lucian''s gaze lingering on her party.

    "No, I was just asking Elaine here to step aside," Lucian answered with a faint shake of his head. "Isn''t that right?"

    Lucian leaned next to Elaine''s ear and whispered, "I''m sure you don''t want to cause a scene. If I''m not mistaken, that card in your hand is only for the First Division. What happens if I show this?"

    Lucian slipped his hand from his pocket and slid a card between him and Elaine. It was his freshly created credentials, identifying him as a member of the Special Division.

    Elaine''s eyes widened once she saw the information printed on the card. She couldn''t believe that Lucian had made it into this division. She was the child of a Director, and even she failed to make it into the Special Division.

    Granted, she was only an Elite Guardian and not a maximized one. Therefore, the Corps felt she fell short of the standard required to become an exceptional individual in their organization, even if her father was the Flame Sorceror, the Lord of Flames.

    Once she saw the credentials, Elaine took a step back with a conflicted expression. There was a sour taste in her mouth as she looked at the once weak person rise from the ashes and cinch the highest privilege within the Corps.

    Meanwhile, Ahri was in shock, but ultimately felt it was the right choice. After witnessing his display inside the monolith, Ahri felt Lucian more than earned the right to be called extraordinary.

    Still, she was curious about the bad blood between these two. ''Just what happened in the past for Lucian to be so angered?''

    Not too long after Elaine stepped aside, Lucian turned towards Ahri. "Walk with me. We have some things to get done."

    "Okay," Ahri nodded before sparing Elaine a curious gaze while passing by. ''Elaine¡­ one of the princesses of the First Division. I wouldn''t think she''d but forced into this type of state.''

    Meanwhile, Oryon viewed the entire squabble from the rooftop of a nearby building. Contrary to his identity, he was excited about the current drama. "So it is true. A deep betrayal is the only matter capable of producing this strong resentment. What an absolute shame. They''ve lost a potentially precious asset to their team. Even my boy has left the team."

    "Mmm¡­ I guess Matthias will have to pull an exponential amount of weight in the coming floors. It becomes quite horrifying following the fifth floor," Oryon muttered to himself before averting his gaze towards the core of the island.

    ''Skybreaker''s awake? And he seems to be active. I wonder, what has riled him up,'' Oryon thought before vanishing from where he stood. He used the buildings as his means of travel as he jumped between them.

    ¡­

    "Where are the others?" Lucian asked while finally taking a seat in one of the island''s expansive parks. Ahri sat beside him before sighing softly.

    "Before any of that. I think you should be careful. You never know how people will retaliate, and I bet you still haven''t recovered from whatever ability you used to clear our," Ahri said with a concerned yet thankful expression.

    If not for Lucian, her attributes wouldn''t have experienced their current increase.

    "True," Lucian nodded. After a while, Ahri delivered the contact information to Lucian. Unsurprisingly, according to her, everyone was on this island, which is why she suggested that he come.

    The only issue was that they were all in different Divisions. For example, even though Quinn possessed a vital ability, his temperament forced him into the Third Division. He was a risk to the clearance of Anomaly Rifts.

    So, outside of the green rifts, the Corps couldn''t afford to let him within any of the others rifts. Even then, he was only allowed into rifts that required large clearance parties.

    Until he proved otherwise, 8-man attack teams refused Quinn''s presence. Of course, they didn''t know that his temperament was experiencing rapid development.

    Still, Lucian called for everyone to meet him where he stood.

    "When will we enter the monolith again? How long before you are ready?" Ahri asked suddenly. Not only did Lucian''s presence driver her to enter the monolith, but she also wanted to strengthen herself to prepare for her ability''s unforeseen effects.

    "Two weeks at the latest," Lucian answered.